A wide variety of attendees, from city administrators and port authorities to engineers and fleeting operators, participated in the inaugural Marine Highway 35 Workshop June 25 in Moline, Ill. Attendees gave the event high marks, with survey comments emphasizing the value of practical information, networking and hands-on experiences. Respondents also encouraged organizers to keep future workshops moving throughout the M-35 corridor to engage more local stakeholders. 

Overall feedback was highly positive, with the workshop format and schedule, likelihood of recommending the event to a colleague ranked near 9 out of 10 stars. Interest in attending a future event was even higher, with an average rating of 9.18 out of 10. 

Among the sessions, grants and funding opportunities received the strongest interest, selected by roughly 71% of respondents. Community stories featuring funded project successes also resonated strongly, followed by workforce pathways and industry awareness, Commerce on the River, and Upper Mississippi priorities from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The results suggest that attendees value both actionable resources, such as funding and policy updates, and opportunities to hear directly from communities and industry peers working along the river. 

Comments reinforced that point. Participants asked for future programs that address federal inland waterways policy and appropriations, state and federal funding opportunities, permitting within the Upper Mississippi River National Wildlife and Fish Refuge overlay, major transient-boater infrastructure and other large-scale projects. Several respondents also requested regular updates from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, state departments of transportation, natural-resource agencies, local ports and municipalities. 

Just as importantly, attendees want more chances to learn from one another. One respondent said they are “always interested in hearing about the challenges and successes of others,” while another requested more information about “economic development and economic impact associated with ports and port development.” Multiple comments called for local port, business and community spotlights tied to the host location, allowing participants to better understand what each community offers and how river-related investments are affecting the region 

Attendees repeatedly praised the barge ride and tour, noting they are a valuable way to learn more about UMWA membership and local stakeholders. 

Overall, the survey affirms that the Marine Highway 35 Workshop is delivering value to participants. The next event can build on that momentum by continuing to provide funding and policy intelligence, sharing community and port success stories, featuring local stakeholders and keeping the workshop moving throughout the corridor.