MISSISSIPPI, USA — The Mississippi River in Memphis is dealing with a record low for the second straight year, and on Wednesday, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gave an update on how it's assisting in getting boat cargo through smoothly.
With drought conditions beginning in June up and down the Mississippi River, engineers said commerce continues to move, but not without challenges. To adjust, certain barges are restricted in how low they can draft, which means more barges carry fewer products. In response, industries are using more roads and rail to move products and storing more of other products elsewhere.
"Not surprisingly, industry is being proactive during the low-water season," Colonel Brian Sawser, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Memphis District Commander, said. "It is certainly having an effect, and it is certainly, no doubt, increasing transportation costs for the industry, but they are taking measures in their own right to mitigate the challenges.
Similar to last year's then record low on the Mississippi River, forecasters expect the low river levels will be a challenge throughout the winter season, especially if snowfall is low north in the Ohio River.
