Grain Journal - January/February 2009 - (Page 48) NGFA Outlook Interviews ASSOCIATION LEADERS LOOK AT WHAT TO EXPECT FROM THE NEW ADMINISTRATION Grain Journal in mid-January posed the following questions to National Grain Feed Association (NGFA) President Kendell Keith and Director of Regulatory Affairs Jess McCluer on anticipated initiatives of the new Obama administration and other major issues expected to dominate the agenda for the grain, feed, and processing industries in the next few months. Keith was asked to discuss policy issues, while McCluer was asked about grain and feed operations issues. And for our industry, we’re cautiously optimistic that legislation will include navigation improvement funds for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to begin the long-neglected expansion and rehabilitation of the locks on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Waterway and other transportation infrastructure improvements. This essential waterway is the artery used to transport 60% of our corn and soybeans to export markets, and its restoration is essential to U.S. agriculture remaining competitive. The NGFA was a leader in the effort to secure passage of the Water Resources Development Act in the last Congress that authorized these improvements to the lock and dam system; now, we need Obama Administration Keith: The immediate focus of the new administration and Congress will be on an economic stimulus package. Kendell Keith Response No. 481 Response No. 482 48 GJ J/F http://www.agtrax.com http://www.agtrax.com http://www.atlasmetalworks.com
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