Wisconsin Ag Connection - State Farm Group Praises Senators for WRDA Passage

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State Farm Group Praises Senators for WRDA Passage
Wisconsin Ag Connection - 09/26/2007

The Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation has thanked Senator Herb Kohl for supporting Senate passage of legislation that would improve locks and dams on the Mississippi and Illinois rivers--which is essential to the transportation of farm products. Senator Feingold voted against the measure on Monday.

"Improvements to locks and dams on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois rivers are needed to move our products to other domestic and global markets," said Farm Bureau President Bill Bruins. "Investment in our waterway system is also important for the movement of farm inputs back up the rivers."

The WFBF says 25-percent of American agricultural cash receipts come from exports, and much of it moves down the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

The House of Representatives already approved the legislation, which is titled the Water Resources Development Act, or WRDA. The bill now goes to President Bush's office. He indicated earlier in the summer that he would not sign it, but could have his veto overturned if enough lawmakers continue to support the plan.