BCT Editorial – 2/24/11

This is an odd editorial.  The editorial begins by noting “These locks are vulnerable because they carry very little commercial traffic.  Their main job now is to move recreational boaters up and down the river.”  The editorial then somehow jumps to the conclusion “The locks are early warning signs on the condition of our national and state infrastructure.”  Which is it, low usage or poor condition?

According to an article in the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, federal funding depends on the amount of commercial barge traffic using a lock.  That article also indicates if the locks are “closed,” “Commercial boats can continue to make appointments to pass through the locks.”

I believe the oddity of the editorial is explained by the fact the Times routinely publishes editorials about our “Third World infrastructure” and simply overreached in its effort to make the story fit a recurring Times narrative.