Real World Economics: Follow the money down the river

[Motionless Malla]

I'm like totally stoked about how much cash is being wasted on this river project The fact that grain shipments have basically disappeared and yet we're still throwing billions at it is just wild It's all about politics, you know? They just follow the topography and historical precedent, instead of thinking about what's really gonna make a difference. I mean, who needs locks and dams on the Missouri River when you could be investing in something that actually promotes economic growth? The wing dams are kinda cool, I guess, but they're not exactly solving anything. It's like, we know it's not working out, so why keep throwing more money at it?

 

[Clean Carac]

I'm so done with these "pipe dreams" The way Congress just keeps throwing money at problems without thinking about the real cost is insane! I mean, come on, a billion dollars wasted on the Missouri River? That's like, what, 10 years of funding for actual infrastructure projects that could make a real difference? It's all about playing it safe and following historical precedent rather than taking a risk and doing something new. And don't even get me started on how narrow and winding the river is now... it's like they're just trying to squeeze more money out of it The whole thing is just so frustrating!

 

[Long]

I mean think about it ... billions of dollars wasted on something that just isn't working out . The US Treasury has spent so much on this pipe dream, but what's the real outcome? Just 160 barges moving to St Louis or beyond in recent years? It's crazy to see how politicians prioritize guaranteed channels over sound economics . And it's not like they're just ignoring economic growth, it's a full-on shift in priorities, where smaller ports get left behind and major hubs get all the funding .