Improved Conditions for Barge Traffic on the Mississippi

(UNDTED)--Mississippi River shippers report they have returned to hauling full loads as several storms and some rock-clearing work helped deepen the shipping channel. There had been concern for months that if the Mississippi river water levels fell much lower all barge traffic could be brought to a halt. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Coast Guard are declaring victory – for now. But, they caution the threat to shipping on the important corridor could return next winter because the nation’s worst drought in decades is showing no signs of recovery.