Advocates Align To Back Missouri River As Agriculture Freight Option

The recent groundbreaking of a port outside Blencoe, Iowa has transportation advocates hoping that it will create more interest for the under-utilized Missouri River. Mike Steenhoek , executive director of the Soy Transportation Coalition, says more attention is finally focusing on the role the river should play in hauling the nation’s ag freight.

Steenhoek suggests that the river’s historical reputation and lack of investment have hindered its current use.

The new barge loading facility in Blencoe, Iowa is about 700 miles upriver from Saint Louis. it is expected to load its first barges later this year.