Funded by the Illinois Soybean Checkoff
Accelerating Economic Growth The Return on Transportation Investments Illinois, known for its robust and reliable transportation network, stands as a crucial hub for efficiently moving commodities from farm to market. Its positioning allows for the use of multiple transportation options, including road, rail and river, offering a competitive edge to soybean exports and making Illinois a key player in the global market. However, Illinois confronts a recurring challenge: the maintenance and modernization of its aging infrastructure, a critical element that is essential in preserving and enhancing its competitive advantage. Recognizing the significance of this issue, the Illinois Soybean Association (ISA) works to address and mitigate the challenges posed by the aging infrastructure in Illinois. ISA's proactive measures aim to not only confront this issue head-on but also to pave the way for sustained growth and amplified success of Illinois soybeans. Through strategic initiatives and collaborative partnerships, ISA is fortifying the foundation supporting Illinois soy, ensuring its continued expansion, resilience and prominence in the global marketplace. ISA has employed several projects focusing on innovative solutions to address the state's deteriorating infrastructure. Among these initiatives is the promotion of "Bridge Bundling," a promising approach that streamlines the upgrading and maintenance of bridges in a cost-effective manner. With nearly 2,400 bridges in poor or worse condition across Illinois, this effort becomes imperative to establish smoother transportation routes, benefiting not just farmers but also consumers and residents throughout the state. An important component of Illinois’ infrastructure is broadband access. Although it does not directly impact transportation infrastructure, today’s farmers need access to new markets for their products and commodity market information — not just in their homes, but also in their fields — to ensure continued productivity, efficiency and sustainability. Lack of connectivity greatly impacts transportation companies as well, as it can make it difficult to track assets and take preventative action if there is an issue with a vehicle. Along with the Benton Institute for Broadband & Society, the Illinois State University Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Department, and the University of Illinois Extension, ISA has made significant headway in alleviating the burden of poor internet connectivity in rural counties across Illinois through Project Broad-
TODD MAIN | DIRECTOR OF MARKET DEVELOPMENT | ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
band Breakthrough. Furthermore, the emphasis on biodiesel use highlights our state's commitment to fostering sustainability within the transportation sector. ISA's proactive measures in promoting biodiesel not only align with environmentally conscious initiatives but also reinforce Illinois' position as a forward-thinking leader in transportation practices. However, our state's transportation strength lies mainly in its inland waterway system. Collaborating closely with the Waterways Council, Inc. (WCI), a national trade organization, ISA works in tandem with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to advocate for the modernization and maintenance of our state’s inland waterways infrastructure. Through partnerships and lobbying efforts, WCI aims to secure efficient funding from Congress to upgrade the waterways that are vital for transporting goods. Illinois is a prime example of efficient commodity movement. As the state seeks to maintain its competitive edge, ISA is leading the charge in confronting aging infrastructure, spearheading initiatives to ensure reliable transportation routes. These proactive measures not only address infrastructure challenges but also pave the way for sustained growth and prominence in the global marketplace, securing Illinois' position as a leader in transportation efficiency.
A PUBLICATION OF THE ILLINOIS SOYBEAN ASSOCIATION
January 2024
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