Water Resource Programs:
Importance to America's Coal Industry (continued)

FACT: The Federal Highway Administration estimates that for each 1 million tons of coal diverted from barge to truck, 45,600 additional trucks would be needed to move the coal at a cost of $1.14 million in surface repairs. Not factored is the increased congestion caused by more traffic on the roadways and the economic costs of that congestion.

FACT: The coal industry depends on barges and railroads to haul coal to export terminals where it is loaded aboard large ocean-going bulk carriers for shipment to Europe, Asia and other major markets. In 1998, the United States shipped 74 million short tons of coal to more than 40 nations.

     Navigation, flood protection, environmental restoration, water supply, and other civil works programs serve the country in countless ways, providing benefits far beyond their actual cost to the taxpayer.  These programs deserve funding that meets the Nation's growing water resources needs.  Consider the following:
       PORTS AND WATERWAYS provide an efficient transportation system moving 2.3 billion tons of domestic and foreign commerce annually.  For every $1 spent to improve the navigation infrastructure, the Gross Domestic Product is increased by more than $3.
     FLOOD PROTECTION PROGRAMS prevent an average of $21 billion in flood damages per year, saving $6 for every $1 that is spent.
     ECOSYSTEM RESTORATION PROJECTS work to protect and restore 165,000 acres of natural habitat.  Also, coastal projects protect hundreds of miles of eroding shoreline.
     HYDROELECTRIC POWER generated by dams produces enough electricity to supply 4.64 million homes with power and $553 million to the U.S. Treasury.
     And barge transportation is less threatening to the environment.  Moving goods by barge provides environmental benefits over surface modes of transportation in terms of air quality. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection estimates that towboat emissions per ton-mile are 35% to 60% less than truck emissions.

Sources:  "The Importance of Inland and Intracoastal Waterways to State Economies," Mercer Management Consulting, 1995; "U.S. Chemical Industry Statistical Handbook," Chemical Manufacturers Association, 1998. "Waterborne Commerce of the United States, Calendar Year 1998" Waterborne Commerce Statistics Center, New Orleans, La., 1999.

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