An updated study by The National Waterways Foundation shows utilizing inland waterways barge transportation is the most efficient and lowest cost mode of transportation compared to highway and rail. Foundation Chairman Matt Woodruff says rail is 30-percent less efficient than a barge, while a truck is 78-percent less efficient.  That makes it the most environmental and cost effective, even considering higher fuel costs.

He says the study also confirms the priorities laid out in the recent infrastructure bill.

And Woodruff is hopeful Congress and the Army Corps will use this data to help further prioritize projects as the infrastructure bill is implemented.

The study was conducted by the Texas A&M Transportation Institute’s Center for Port and Waterways. The study is updated every 5 years.