ALC greatly appreciates the support of AEP River Operations in conserving America’s natural and outdoor heritage.
AEP River Operations is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Electric Power (AEP), one of the largest utilities in the United States. Headquartered in St. Louis, Missouri, the barge line is a leader in transporting dry bulk commodities throughout the inland river system. This includes the movement of grain, coal, steel, ores, and other bulk products. In 2006, the company and its affiliated operations moved over 63 million tons of dry bulk products, ranking it as the second largest dry bulk carrier in the nation.
Each year, more than 100 AEP River Operations employees and their families volunteer at a three-day marine industry charity softball tournament and golf outing to benefit local charities, 2007's beneficiary being Special Olympics. The company is also involved in a grassroots-driven public education campaign, RiverWorks Discovery, which highlights the importance of barge transportation. Through direct public involvement, they are determined to stem the tide of deteriorating and outdated locks & dams which hinder the river system's role as a vital transportation corridor.
AEP River Operations is also a member of the Waterways Council (WCI). WCI is the national public policy organization that advocates for a properly funded and well-maintained system of inland waterways and ports. American Land Conservancy, along with AEP River Operations and WCI recently helped pass the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 (WRDA). WRDA authorizes critically important projects on the inland waterways including the modernization of seven locks along the Upper Mississippi River and Illinois Waterway. WRDA will also restore critically important ecosystems and marine habitats, improve the nation's ports, flood and hurricane protection systems.
To learn more, visit AEP River Operations, RiverWorks Discovery and the Waterways Council on the web.
