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State of the Union highlights need for infrastructure investments

President Trump’s State of the Union address highlighted the need to rebuild America’s infrastructure.

Soy Transportation Coalition Executive Director Mike Steenhoek says the call to prioritize infrastructure has bipartisan support.

“Infrastructure was one of the rare occasions during the state of the union address in which both Republicans and Democrats rose and clapped, and it had some degree of consensus and agreement,” he says. “I think that does bode well that something can get done this year.”

Steenhoek says there are members of Congress on both sides of the aisle who are committed to producing legislation to address infrastructure needs.

He points to a highway bill, which involves roads and bridges, and the Water Resources Development Act involving inland waterways and locks and dams. Both are due for reauthorization in 2020.

“Congress has the opportunity to do some things meaningful on infrastructure and those two bills are an example of that,” he says. “We hope they embrace that opportunity and we hope the President embraces that opportunity as well.”

He says the administration can also demonstrate its commitment to infrastructure by deepening the lower Mississippi River by 50 feet.

“This is a project that we are really close to getting across the goal line,” he says. “Congress has provided authorization for it and funding for it. The last remaining step is for the administration to lift this project as a priority for receiving funds.”

The 256 mile stretch from Baton Rouge, Louisiana to the Gulf of Mexico accounts for 60 percent of soybean exports and 59 percent of corn exports.

Audio: Mike Steenhoek, Soy Transportation Coalition