About Us

Focus

Purpose

Object

Focus

The Conference fights for common-sense water resources policies that maximize the economic and environmental value of our inland, coastal and Great Lakes waterways.  As part of that effort, NWC promotes realistic project evaluation criteria, adequate risk assessment analyses, funding levels that maximize the return on investment for taxpayers, a recognition of the integration of water project purposes, and a Federal Intermodal Transport Policy.  In addition, the Conference opposes oppressive water transportation user charges and discriminatory cost-sharing proposals that would cripple waterway-related industry. An advocate of enlightened flood control policies, the Conference opposes cost sharing at levels that would jeopardize vital flood protection.

Purpose

It is the purpose of the National Waterways Conference, Inc., to promote a better understanding of the public value of the American waterways system and to document the importance of far-sighted navigation and water resources policies to a sound economy, industrial and agricultural productivity, regional development, environmental quality, energy conservation, international trade, defense preparedness and the overall national interest.

Object

To engage in research, study and analysis of the inherent advantages, economies and public values of the waterways of the United States, including the rivers, streams, tributaries, canals, lakes, ocean harbors, sounds, bays, and connecting channels, the public benefits of water transportation throughout the national economy, the relationship of water transportation to national security, and any and all other matters appropriate for study, analysis or research with respect to the national waterway system; to promote, preserve and improve the efficiency and economy of water transportation within the United States; to promote the operation, maintenance and improvement of the nation’s waterways infrastructure; to preserve the freedom of the waterways of the United States from burdens or charges directly or indirectly affecting the use or utility thereof; to document the importance of sound water resources policies and federal funding to a healthy economy, regional economic development, energy production and consumption, agricultural production and distribution, environmental quality, recreational opportunities, water supply, fisheries resources, international trade, defense preparedness, flood control, storm protection and emergency response, and the overall national interest; to encourage public education and understanding of the inherent benefits of water transportation, and of the values of the nation’s waterways to industrial growth, economic development, community welfare, public health and safety, and national security; and to prepare and make available to its members, public officials and other interested persons information, reports, studies, analyses and other materials appropriate in respect of any of the foregoing.