UMWA workshop to strengthen Upper Mississippi River freight corridor

The Upper Mississippi Waterway Association (UMWA) is bringing the conversation to the river with the Marine Highway 35 Workshop and river tour. The inaugural workshop is set for June 25 at the Western Illinois University Riverfront Campus in Moline, Illinois.

This one-day workshop brings industry leaders and stakeholders together for focused, solutions-driven conversations about the working river, what it takes to keep freight moving and where investments can unlock new efficiency and use of the Upper Mississippi River.

“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.”

While the agenda is still being finalized, attendees can expect a full day of timely presentations and networking around freight movement, infrastructure needs and strategies to leverage waterway transportation to support communities along the corridor.

A speaker panel will focus on applying and implementing funding from the U.S. Maritime Administration and other public sources. The University of Arkansas will present UMWA-supported research on the regional economic impact study of the Upper Mississippi River navigation system.

“Participants can expect candid dialogue among shippers, carriers, ports and public agencies about what it will take to shift more cargo to the waterway,” said Gary Williams, UMWA executive director. “People should attend if they want to help shape the future of Marine Highway 35 – whether that means opening new markets for barge and marine services, reducing pressure on congested highway corridors, improving environmental performance or unlocking new economic opportunities for communities tied to this vital stretch of the Upper Mississippi River.

The workshop will end with an optional river tour, giving attendees a first-hand look at the Upper Mississippi infrastructure while enjoying the water.

Visit UMWA.net to learn more and register.