Barge traffic declines on Upper Mississippi

Army Corps of Engineer statistics show a dramatic decline in barge and boat traffic between 2007 and 2008 along the upper Mississippi River. Almost a third fewer tons of cargo passed through the regions locks during that time.

The Associated Press reported earlier this month that the 2008 total tonnage at Red Wing, Alma, Wisconsin, Minneiska and Winona was down about 32 to 33 percent from 2007.

Both commercial and recreational trips through the locks have decreased. At Alma, 9,522 vessels of all sizes locked through last year, compared with 11,497 the year before.

Higher gas prices are believed to have reduced recreational boating. More Minnesota corn may be staying in state to make ethanol rather than being shipped downriver.

At Twin Cities locations:

• 5,177 vessels and 964,681 tons of cargo passed through Lock and Dam 1 in Minneapolis during the 2008 navigation season, compared to 3,425 craft and 989,706 tons in 2007.
• 3,368 vessels and 942,300 tons of cargo passed through Upper Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in 2008, compared to 2,596 craft and 998,770 tons of cargo in 2007.
• 2,630 vessels and 926,600 tons of cargo passed through Lower Saint Anthony Falls Lock and Dam in 2008. During the 2007 navigation season, 2,070 craft and 1,315,770 tons passed through Lower St. Anthony Falls.