Sioux City Times

U.S. Representative Randy Feenstra has spearheaded an initiative urging the U.S. Coast Guard to reconsider its plan to remove 36 Aids to Navigation (ATONs) from the Missouri River north of Blencoe, Iowa. The letter addressed to Captain Andrew Bender of the USCG was supported by eight lawmakers and 53 local businesses, organizations, and leaders.

Feenstra emphasized the importance of the Missouri River for economic development in Western Iowa, stating, "The Missouri River is critical to economic development across Western Iowa and supports the timely transportation of manufactured goods and agricultural products both within the United States and internationally." He further noted that removing these ATONs could harm regional economic vitality and disrupt trade along this significant waterway.

He highlighted ongoing projects aimed at improving river utilization, such as a new barge terminal project in Sioux City. Feenstra stressed that these efforts underscore the necessity of maintaining navigation on the Missouri River for business vitality and regional growth. "We must maintain navigation up and down the Missouri River not just for the vitality of our businesses but for the future growth of our region and the long-term success of our communities," he stated.

Feenstra reiterated his support for inland waterways like the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers due to their role in enabling global shipping of Iowa-made products.