Durbin to assess river rock-removal effort

THEBES, Ill. -- Two lawmakers from Illinois will get a firsthand look at efforts to clear some Mississippi River bedrock that's crimping shipping on the waterway.

Sen. Dick Durbin and Rep. Bill Enyart on Monday will be briefed about the work near Thebes by U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Coast Guard officials, then tour the site by boat before addressing reporters.

Corps-hired contractors have been working since last month to clear the underwater rock pinnacles from the river.

The effort is considered vital in ensuring that stretch of river remains open to barge traffic as the lingering drought continues to lower the level of the Mississippi.

Barge industry trade groups have expressed concern the ever-dropping river could further restrict barge weights to the point that shipping on the river is halted.