TFI reacts to US Congress passing the Water Resources Development Act

HOUSTON (ICIS)–The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) said it applauds the US Congress for passing the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2022, a key piece of legislation related to the nation’s water infrastructure.

The fertilizer industry group said the transportation infrastructure is critical to agriculture and for rural America to maintain a competitive advantage in world markets, and that this act provides vital support for that network.

For the fertilizer industry, TFI president and CEO Corey Rosenbusch said the WRDA is the foundation for the modernisation of inland waterways and ports, which are an integral part of fertilizer distribution in this country.

This year’s WRDA reauthorisation makes permanent a cost-share structure for inland waterways projects where 65% of funding comes from the general treasury with the remaining 35% coming from the Inland Waterways Trust Fund, which TFI said is an important measure.

“Making the cost-share permanent will promote much needed investment for inland navigation projects, as well as provide confidence to industry that much needed maintenance and modernisation of our inland waterway system will happen,” said Rosenbusch.

“On a ton-mile basis, approximately one-fourth of fertilizer moves on the inland barge system and these projects are absolutely critical to the safe and efficient distribution of fertilizers.”

Highlighting the importance of WRDA and the need for modernising the country’s aging water infrastructure, Rosenbusch noted the 700% increase in unscheduled work stoppages for repairs of locks and dams, which were built nearly 100 years ago but designed only to last 50.

“These delays are not only disastrous for the farmers who receive much of the almost 70m tons of fertilizer each year via our nation’s waterways, they can also raise the prices of everyday goods and food for consumers,” Rosenbusch concluded.

“The fertilizer industry appreciates the bipartisan work of Congressional leaders that have made modernisation of our inland waterways a priority.”