[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Pages 948-949]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     CHICKAMAUGA LOCK IN TENNESSEE

  Mr. FRIST. Mr. President, on another issue, I rise to briefly address 
an issue that is of critical importance to Tennessee, to the region 
around Tennessee, and to economic development.
  Every year, millions of tons of cargo pass through Chickamauga Lock 
in my home State of Tennessee. This critical structure is the 
commercial gateway to more than 300 miles of navigable waterways that 
serve 16 States in the region. Workers, small business owners, and 
communities all across that region depend on the lock to work smoothly 
every day, around the clock.
  But all of this is at risk. All of this is in danger. After 65 years, 
Chickamauga Lock needs to be replaced. It is being destroyed by a 
chemical reaction known as ``concrete growth.'' The lock is crumbling 
and engineering experts tell us that it is only a matter of time before 
the lock fails, and we cannot let that happen.
  That is why I want to draw attention to the President's request 
today, which came out in the budget, to fund continued construction of 
the new lock. It is the first White House budget proposal to contain 
construction funding since Congress authorized that new lock in 2003. I 
thank the President for his attention to this pressing issue.
  I have held countless conversations with the administration on the 
importance of constructing the new lock, and I appreciate the President 
and the administration taking this bold action.
  America's transportation system is the lifeblood of our economy. 
Without airports and railways and seaports and highways, our products 
would never have the opportunity to be moved, goods would never be 
exchanged in the global marketplace, and commerce would simply come to 
a halt.
  One of the most overlooked elements of America's transportation 
network is our inland waterway system. Commerce literally flows over 
and through a vast network of more than 12,000 miles of inland and 
coastal waterways. Water transportation is often the most efficient, 
inexpensive, and environmentally friendly method of shipping cargo over 
long distances.
  In 2003, with my support, Congress authorized the construction of a 
new lock that would meet the region's economic needs. I fought hard to 
provide the necessary Federal funding to begin work on this project and 
worked closely with the administration to ensure adequate funding is 
available to get the job done.
  Today's budget request of $27 million represents a major investment, 
and we

[[Page 949]]

are all working together as a team to make it a success.
  I am tremendously proud of all the hard work that has taken place to 
reserve this vital economic corridor. Moving forward with this 
construction is important to our transportation infrastructure, and my 
colleagues and I have worked hard to make sure that new lock is built.
  In fact, I particularly thank Congressman Zach Wamp for his 
tremendous leadership in this endeavor.
  While there is a lot more to be done in replacing that Chickamauga 
Lock, it is a major priority to me, and I will continue to work with my 
colleagues at the local, State, and Federal levels to make this project 
a success.

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