More than 10% of all U.S. wheat exports move by barge through the four dams on the lower Snake River every year. Barges are loaded at the Port of Lewiston and tugged down the river to the Port of Portland, where the wheat is transferred to a bulk cargo vessel and delivered to customers overseas. The river system – and the dams – are essential for the transportation of wheat from farm to market. Using the river system as a transportation route is cleaner, safer, efficient, cost effective, and makes U.S. wheat more competitive in the global marketplace.
The Columbia-Snake River system is critical for wheat exports in Idaho and across the United States. Learn more with these at-a-glance resources.
