Video: The Donald G. Waldon Lock and Dam

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ABERDEEN, Miss.(WCBI)–The Donald G. Waldon Lock and Dam in Aberdeen is an important driver of the economy, benefiting industry and the people of Aberdeen and Monroe County.

The facility in Aberdeen is one of 10 making up the Tenn-Tom Waterway system, a civil engineering marvel.

“Economic developers are always looking for a competitive advantage and when you are able to offer water access to the Gulf of Mexico it does provide that competitive advantage,” said Skip Scaggs/Exec. Dir,-Monroe County Chamber of Commerce.

“We feel our two strong suits in the economic development world is the fact that we have a, I was going to say adequate, but more than adequate water system plus a very good rail system,” said Billy Kirkpatrick/Monroe County Supervisor.

So the waterway becomes a vital tool as goods are moved from place to place….providing a better quality of life for citizens.

“Locally here in Aberdeen you have Enterprise Services which is a petroleum provider. You bring in a lot of the gasoline that you are pumping into your car comes through the port here in Aberdeen. Other companies like Tronox, Domtar, Axiall take advantage of what the waterway is providing,” said Skip Scaggs.

Ever since the construction of the 234-mile long waterway, the lock and dam in Aberdeen has been vital for industries.

“And as companies look to cut their costs, they are looking to cut, lower their transportation cost and water bourne and the Tenn-Tom Waterway provides that access,” said Skip Scaggs.

“We focus on tourism recreational development and the political aspects to make sure funding is available for locks,” said Brian Roy/Vice Chairman-TTWDA.

The waterway is a vital economic asset to not only Mississippi; Alabama, Kentucky, and Tennessee.