It’s A Wonderful Life—On The Waterways

Most of us have watched the Frank Capra film “It’s A Wonderful Life.” The film recounts the story of building and loan executive George Bailey, who feels overwhelmed and under-appreciated, even as he helps dozens of his fellow citizens buy houses and build better lives for themselves, despite the onset of the Great Depression. After nearing the pits of despair, George is given a chance to learn how important his life has been and how much support and love he truly has in his community.

Is the navigation industry the “George Bailey” of the transportation modes? George doesn’t get to use all of his talents. Similarly, the river system is the most under-utilized of the transportation modes, with capacity and potential to spare. In the film, George’s wife, Mary, restores the old house they live in, but in the real world it takes more than a Mary Bailey to restore our lock and dam system, much of which is living long past its design life.

Despite all the good he does his neighbors, George suffers setback after setback. The lock and dam system, too, despite receiving accelerated support in recent years, continues to see unscheduled closures as 70- and 80-year old parts literally crumble.

In the film, many rely on the Bailey Building and Loan, which plays an outsized role in the economic life of Bedford Falls. In the same way, the barge and towing industry generates tens of billions in revenues and supports hundreds of thousands of jobs despite its relatively small size.

George has many friends and supporters (even if he temporarily forgets that), and so does the inland waterway system. Among them are local officials, members of Congress of both parties, the Coast Guard and Corps of Engineers. However, each year’s appropriations for lock and dam infrastructure leave many needs underfunded. In contrast, the closing scene of the film sees George’s friends and neighbors donate enough money to cover all his shortfalls and then some.

That support doesn’t end all of George’s challenges, but because of his eyes being opened by Clarence the angel, his perspective on his problems changes. All of us who have either worked on the rivers or who continue to work for them likewise remember this Christmas that life on the waterways, while challenging at times, is wonderful nonetheless. Dedicating our lives to this industry is more than worthwhile.

So this Christmas season we give thanks to the many “George Baileys” who work on behalf of our great industry, all of whom are appreciated.