Ashley Hinson considers the inland waterway system essential for grain producers and the national supply chain, with over 60% of U.S. grain exports moved via the lock and dam system (Daily Nonpareil, Jan 2022).
Hinson repeatedly emphasized that modernizing locks and dams is crucial for river economies, farm efficiency, and safely transporting agricultural products to market, particularly benefitting Iowa’s farmers (Gazette, July 2021; Iowa Farmer Today, July 2021).
She warned that unplanned lock and dam closures pose a major economic risk, with a potential $1.57 billion impact across 132 counties in 17 states if Lock 25 were to close unexpectedly (Gazette, July 2021; Daily Nonpareil, July 2021).
Hinson celebrated the $22.5 million federal funding request for lock and dam upgrades as a "huge win" for Iowa, the Midwest, and national agricultural competitiveness (Daily Nonpareil, July 2021).
She consistently drew connections between well-maintained waterway infrastructure and the ability of Iowa's farmers to efficiently export their crops, underscoring its role in supporting local economies and jobs (Manchester Press, Feb 2023).
Potential vulnerability: The aging of lock and dam infrastructure threatens both the agriculture sector and the broader economy if modernization and repairs are not prioritized (Gazette, July 2021).
January 2022: Hinson Described The Inland Waterway System As Crucial For Grain Producers According to Daily Nonpareil, 'Hinson called the inland waterway system "crucial" to grain producers and the nation's entire supply chain, with more than 60 percent of the nation's grain exports traveling through the lock and dam system.' [Daily Nonpareil, 1/20/22]
2021: Ashley Hinson Warned Unplanned Closure Of Lock 25 Would Cost $1.57 Billion Across 17 States According to Gazette, 'He's right to be concerned about the aging lock and dam infrastructure, Hinson said. According to a study prepared for the National Waterways Foundation and the U.S. Maritime Administration, estimated costs of an unplanned closure of Lock 25 alone would result in a $1.57 billion loss to the economy, impacting 132 counties in 17 states.' [Gazette, 7/16/21]
2021: Ashley Hinson Called Modernization Of Locks And Dams Crucial For River Economies And Iowa Farmers According to Gazette, 'Modernizing the lock and dams "is absolutely a crucial issue for our river economies," Hinson said Friday. "This is about safety. This is about expediency, efficiency and making sure that we have viable ways to get our products to market … specifically for Iowa's farmers and ag producers."' [Gazette, 7/16/21]
2021: Ashley Hinson Stated River Shipping Shutdown Would Be Devastating For Iowa Farmers According to Gazette, 'With nearly two-thirds of the nation's grain exports traveling on the Upper Mississippi River System, "we cannot afford to let this situation worsen," Hinson said.' [Gazette, 7/16/21]
2021: Ashley Hinson Called $22.5 Million Funding Request For Lock And Dam Upgrades A 'Huge Win' For Iowa And The Midwest According to Daily Nonpareil, 'This is a huge win" for Iowa, the Midwest and the entire country, Republican 1st District U.S. Rep. Ashley Hinson said about a $22.5 million funding request she and Illinois Democratic U.S. Rep. Cheri Bustos got included in the House Appropriations Committee funding bill for Energy and Water Development.' [Daily Nonpareil, 7/18/21]
2021: Ashley Hinson Warned Of Economic Impact From Unplanned Lock And Dam Closures According to Daily Nonpareil, 'He's right to be concerned about the aging lock and dam infrastructure, Hinson said. According to a study prepared for the National Waterways Foundation and the U.S. Maritime Administration, estimated costs of an unplanned closure of Lock 25 alone would result in a $1.57 billion loss to the economy, impacting 132 counties in 17 states.' [Daily Nonpareil, 7/18/21]
2021: Ashley Hinson Emphasized Lock And Dam Modernization As Crucial For River Economies And Farmer Efficiency According to Daily Nonpareil, 'Modernizing the lock and dams "is absolutely a crucial issue for our river economies," Hinson said Friday. "This is about safety. This is about expediency, efficiency and making sure that we have viable ways to get our products to market … specifically for Iowa's farmers and ag producers."' [Daily Nonpareil, 7/18/21]
July 16, 2021: Ashley Hinson Called Modernizing River Infrastructure 'Crucial' For River Economies According to Iowa Farmer Today, 'Modernizing the lock and dams "is absolutely a crucial issue for our river economies," Hinson said July 16. "This is about safety. This is about expediency, efficiency and making sure that we have viable ways to get our products to market … specifically for Iowa’s farmers and ag producers."' [Iowa Farmer Today, 7/29/21]
February 2023: Hinson Linked Lock And Dam Infrastructure To Agricultural Exports In Iowa's Second District According to Manchester Press (Iowa), "Congresswoman Ashley Hinson found a connection between Lock and Dam #12 in Bellevue and a roundtable discussion of women in agriculture in Manchester. 'Our lock and dam system is vital to getting your crops to market,' she told the women gathered at the NICC Center Manchester, Feb. 14." [Manchester Press (Iowa), 2/22/23]