The I-40 Bridge damage two week ago between Memphis, Tennessee and West Memphis Arkansas did not result in as much export loss as it could have. That’s according to National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert. He says barges south of the bridge were able to get goods out to export markets and the other good news is that the barge stoppage was fixed in a 36 hour period.

He says the bridge damage points out the need to get inland water way upkeep done and more investment in infrastructure at the federal level.

Seyfert says having stable infrastructure and reliable inland waterways are critical in keeping the U.S. competitive with other countries for export market business.

The inland waterway system at Memphis is critical for U.S. commodities as 150 million tons pass through their per year or 430,000 tons per day.