Water Resource Programs:
Importance to American Agriculture (continued)

FACT: The agriculture industry also relies on barge transportation to move feed products, vegetable oil, and farm inputs such as fertilizer, petroleum and chemicals. Ohio alone moves tractor fuel, gasoline, and other petroleum products (worth over $500 million annually) on the Ohio River and through the state's ports and terminals.
FACT: In 1995, water transportation on the Mississippi River moved 174.5 million tons of grain, food, and food products, 22% of the river's total commerce. In the same year, the Columbia-Snake River system carried nearly 32 million tons of agricultural products, 56% of the waterway's total commerce. The Ohio River moved 17.4 million tons of agricultural commodities, 6.5% of its total commerce.
AMERICA'S PORTS AND WATERWAYS, AS WELL AS FLOOD PROTECTION, WATER SUPPLY, ENVIRONMENTAL RESTORATION, AND HYDROELECTRIC PROJECTS AID IN ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT, SUPPORT NATIONAL SECURITY, AND ENHANCE OUR COUNTRY'S GENERAL WELL-BEING.

• Navigable channels provide an efficient and economic corridor for moving a staggering 2.2 billion tons of the Nation's domestic and foreign commerce.
  
• Thousands of cities, towns and industries rely on the water supply from 118 lakes and reservoirs. Federal projects alone store 218.7 million acre-feet of water.
  
• The waterways industry pays more in fuel taxes -- 20 cents per gallon -- than any other mode of transportation. Additionally, bargelines contribute 4.3¢ per gallon to debt reduction.
  
• Water resources programs serve our nation in countless ways. They have earned a high priority in the American agenda and deserve an adequate funding level to meet the needs of an expanding economy and growing population.