Jefferson Reporter

U.S. Senator Katie Britt, representing Alabama, has spearheaded an initiative involving the entire Alabama congressional delegation in addressing recent lock failures affecting key waterways in the state. A letter was sent to Micheal Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, and Lieutenant General William Graham, Commanding General and Chief of Engineers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The correspondence outlined concerns about major lock failures at Demopolis Lock, Holt Lock, and Wilson Lock this year. These disruptions have significantly impacted supply chains and businesses reliant on Alabama's inland waterway system. The delegation urged the Corps to consider reduced tonnage when allocating Operations and Maintenance (O&M) funding for Alabama's river systems.

"The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sets O&M budget guidance based on a five-year tonnage average for river systems," stated the letter from the Members. "We are deeply concerned that the significantly reduced annual tonnage on the Tennessee-Tombigbee and Black Warrior River Systems in calendar year 2024 due to the closures of the Demopolis and Holt Locks will cause the Corps to underinvest critically needed O&M funds in these river systems."

The delegation requested adjustments in budget guidance by excluding 2024 tonnage data for these river systems to prevent further hardships resulting from inadequate future fiscal allocations.

Joining Senator Britt were Senator Tommy Tuberville and Representatives Jerry Carl, Barry Moore, Mike Rogers, Robert Aderholt, Dale Strong, Gary Palmer, all Republicans from Alabama, as well as Democrat Terri Sewell.

Senator Britt secured nearly $73 million in directed spending for FY24 through her role on the Senate Committee on Appropriations within the Energy and Water Development Act signed into law on March 9, 2024. Additionally, she advanced appropriations funding totaling $25.07 million for FY25 within another act awaiting Senate consideration.