Shipping bounces back as Mississippi River rises
ST. LOUIS—Mississippi River shippers say they’re returning to handling full loads because the drought-ravaged waterway has benefited from winter storms and aggressive rock-clearing.
The Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard say the crisis is over with the water level rising and rocks cleared to deepen the channel. The corps recently removed riverbed rocks from a treacherous stretch south of St. Louis. Recent snow and rain have helped raise the Mississippi.
Shippers late last year and in January reduced their loads with low water levels. There were concerns barge traffic could be halted near St. Louis.
Still, the same problems could re-emerge next winter because the nation’s worst drought in decades is showing no signs of easing, the Army Corps said.
Before you post a comment, consider this:
Note: GazetteXtra.com does not condone or review every comment. Read more in our User Policy AgreementPost Comment
Commenting requires registration.