Mississippi Waterway System Critical to Red Wing’s Future

The Mississippi River is an iconic national symbol. The recreational amenities and commercial use it affords are a pure reflection of the American Way. But while certainly a critical component of communities like Red Wing, MN, the inland waterway system it presents is the country’s most overlooked mode of transportation. Only about 10% of federal infrastructure and transportation spending went to waterways, while highway transportation received 44%, air drew 23% and 22% was directed to rail and mass transit.

“In America, we are quick to build or pave roads, but unless you live along the river, most people don’t think about the need to maintain this critical source of commerce,” said Gary Williams, Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) president. “Recognizing the importance of and planning for the continued maintenance of this inland waterway is critical to the ongoing sustenance of communities like Red Wing along the river’s path.” 

Critical national transportation system

The nation’s inland waterways system covers 12,000 miles of commercially navigable channels and approximately 240 locks in 38 states. In 2017, 578 million tons of waterborne cargo transited America’s inland waterways, including 22% of domestic petroleum and petroleum products and 20% of the coal used in electricity generation.

The Mississippi River runs about 200 miles in Minnesota, handling over 50 percent of the state’s agricultural exports, much passing through Red Wing. About 500,000 jobs in the state are related to the river, leading to nearly $60 million in Gross Sales Product. The state’s top inland waterway commodities by value are grains and oilseeds, such as corn, soybeans and wheat, at $689.3 million, agricultural products at $680.3 million and fertilizers at $627.7 million. Total freight moved via the waterways was approximately 12 million tons. An equivalent of 300,000 trucks - along with their highway congestion and emissions - are avoided using waterways.

Commercial impact on Red Wing 

Much of that commercial activity flows through Red Wing, driving its growth and prosperity. Many companies have operations entirely focused on the waterway system, like Red Wing Grain, which annually ships up to 600 barges of soybeans along the river. 

Since 1932, the UMWA has been a critical partner with the city regarding the river’s impact on the community. The organization seeks to promote, drive awareness and support water transportation’s economic and environmental benefits in communities like Red Wing from St. Paul to St. Louis.  It seeks to ensure the Upper Mississippi River navigation system is used and maintained in a safe and environmentally responsible manner to meet current and future needs.

UMWA members include industrial and consumer goods manufacturers, electric utilities, grain companies, agricultural cooperatives, metal recyclers, barge and towing companies, recreational and passenger boat operators, marinas, and others involved in river navigation and associated environmental issues. Representatives of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the U.S. Coast Guard, the Minnesota Department of Transportation and other agencies serve as ex-officio members.

Williams states that focusing intensely on cities like Red Wing and smaller rural communities is more critical than ever. Large metropolitan areas like Minneapolis or St. Paul naturally draw more attention, but effort must be spent to stop the erosion of smaller, rural economies, he said. 

“The river is a great source of jobs and economic input for these communities and holds the key for future revitalization,” said Williams. “We must increase the awareness of individuals that they can live in Red Wing and take advantage of the abundant jobs on the waterway system that offer excellent careers and quality of life.”

Those roles built on commerce passing through Red Wing have always had a shifting nature and will continue to be so, said Williams. While corn traffic has dropped in recent years due to a trend for more ethanol production, he sees a shift to shipping more soybean crush for soybean meal and oil markets.

“There is a probability for soy crush products, primarily soymeal, to be moved on the River, as we expect another 400 million bushels of crush capacity to be added to the US in the next five years,” said Wiliams. “Funding the river dredging operations that keep the working river working will be more important than ever.”

More than commerce

The Mississippi River’s impact on Red Wing is not purely commerce. Recreational boating has an approximate $530 million annual economic impact in Minnesota’s Second Congressional District, of which Red Wing is part. That figure includes the support of about 2,100 jobs at more than 40 businesses. 

Beyond pure economics, Red Wing has routinely been ranked one of the country’s best small towns, largely due to the charm presented by the river. The water and river bluffs present a distinctively beautiful setting, offering a base for a thriving arts community, a historic downtown setting and opportunities for a tremendous outdoor recreational lifestyle.

Focus on the future

Nearly 30 locks and dams are in the  UMWA purview, with the majority constructed in the 1930s and currently operating well beyond their 50-year design life.

“There is a desperate need for funding to perform critical maintenance and intensify dredging operations to keep the working river working,” said Williams. “Putting money and time into modernizing the Upper Mississippi River waterway system will not only support the Red Wing economy but help this vibrant community continue to drive national growth.”

The Red Wing Port Authority understands the significance of the Mississippi River and its waterway system for the Red Wing community. Please contact us for support for your business or to get involved in our economic development initiatives.