Tows.

Tow facts

The nationwide network of waterways covers over 25000 miles of navigable rivers & harbours. Since 1824 the US Army Corps of Engineers has been responsible for building and operating this system. The waterways link ports in 20 states extending from Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico.

Spring floods & summer droughts cause constant variation in water depths & the debris that floats down the rivers ranges from small twigs to huge trees, docks & riverside structures & gouging of river banks.

The commercial tows are a sight to behold carrying mainly coal but also iron & steel, petroleum chemicals & farm & building products.

The economies of barge transportation is the most amazing aspect as shown below …...........

to transport 22500 tons of coal BY RIVER = one 15 BARGE tow

the same BY RAIL = 225 Jumbo Hopper Cars

the same BY ROAD = 900 trucks

One gallon of fuel will move one ton of freight 500 MILES BY BARGE

the same gallon 200 MILES BY TRAIN

the same gallon only 60 MILES BY TRUCK.( Sorry Lisa)

The biggest complaint we have heard from people who work the river, is that State and Federal Governments keep cutting back on funding for upkeep and improvements of the rivers,canals and locks,seems social programs for votes is more important than keeping the economy growing.

Waterways would be great to move over the vast miles of inland Aussie and wouldn't we just love to

have the water.