KBIA Local
(2010-03-11)
COLUMBIA, MO
(KBIA) -
Barges will once again been seen floating down the Missouri River. Cargo has begun to move in large quantities for the first time in eight years with the easing of drought. But the drought is not the only reason river shipping has been in decline. Drought has been an issue on the Missouri River for eight years, so large cargo wasn't able to float. The lack of good infrastructure to support shipping has been as much of a problem as the drought. MODOT Spokesperson Jorma Duran says that most prominent problem is the lack of ports to load and unload goods.
"Today's four barges that are being sent, they really have limited resources and places to stop."
Jorma says a plan is in place to observe the river over the next year to see how to make river travel more viable. Officials will be finding ways to travel the river in low water and also look for spots along the river that could sustain a port. © Copyright 2012, KBIA
