Nothing tells the story of the working river better than experiencing it firsthand. That is exactly what the Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) plans to do at its inaugural Marine Highway 35 Workshop, set for June 25 at the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus in Moline, Illinois. 

This one-day workshop will unite river community and municipality leaders with river commerce leaders for solutions-driven conversations about the Upper Mississippi River. Participants will discuss what it takes to keep freight moving and how investments can provide economic opportunities and job creation for municipalities near the Upper Mississippi River. Following the workshop, participants will board a barge for a tour guided by Upper Mississippi Fleeting, passing through a lock, offering a unique river view of the many businesses that depend on the Marine Highway for transportation. 

“The Marine Highway 35 Workshop is a great chance to see how everything connects – from the land to the river and beyond,” UMWA President Zac Morris said. “I’m excited to get people involved and engaged. Our goal is to elevate the Upper Mississippi and secure greater investment to improve the system and preserve the working river.” 

Agenda topics includes a panel about commerce on the river and the importance of maintaining efficiency and competitiveness; priorities for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers navigating and maintaining the Upper Mississippi River; success stories of Port Infrastructure Development Program grant recipients; additional funding opportunities and more. 

“People should attend if they have an interest in maintaining and/or creating the economic benefits and jobs for different communities afforded by the Upper Mississippi River,” said Gary Williams, UMWA executive director. “This workshop is designed to discuss the opportunities while acknowledging the threats and unifying voices towards assuring the vitality that the river has for a great many people and interests.” 

Errin Howard, executive director of We Work the Waterways, will present about workforce pathways and opportunities in the maritime shipping and logistics industry. The University of Arkansas rounds out the agenda presenting UMWA-supported research on the regional economic impact study of the Upper Mississippi River navigation system. 

The $35 registration fee includes the workshop, lunch and the barge tour. View the full agenda and register at umwa.net/m35-workshop/.