The United States is served by an extensive inland waterway system unparalleled in the World. Completed in December 1984 after 12 years of construction at a cost of nearly $2 billion, the Tennessee-Tombigbee   Waterway is one of the most modern components of this world class transportation network. It provides a low cost and energy efficient trade link between the Sunbelt states and 14 river systems totaling some 4500 miles of navigable waterways that serve mid-America.

Waterways are engines for economic growth resulting in higher standards of living and improved quality of life. These federal projects will continue to generate these kinds of benefits for future generations to come as long as they are adequately maintained.

The Tenn-Tom not only has stimulated economic development but it has helped improve the quality of life in the waterway corridor. The waterway traverses or serves a region, rich in history, that has diverse and abundant cultural and natural resources; a variety of recreation attractions, ranging from fishing, boating, camping, to bird watching; and, other amenities.