[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 12 (Monday, February 6, 2006)] [Senate] [Page S698] From the Congressional Record Online through the 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 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. ____________________