Franc,
I wonder what impact there has been in the transformation of the "marginal" farm land in some of the more arrid parts in Iowa or western Nebraska that turned them into massive fields of corn? I remember 20 years ago some western parts were pretty dry with limited farming potential? How in the world is there suddenly enough water to grow that corn?

What about the Ogallala Aquifer? It has been going dry at an alarming rate for over 100 years and threatens to affect farming and grazing in over 8 states from Texas to the Dakotas... and the N.A. economy as a result. Now it can support corn production which is ultimately destined to augment fuel.

And what has happened to the levels of the Great Lakes over that same period of time? Could water could have been .... naaaahhh ... Enginee .... naahhhh ..... what about widening and deepening the Mississ ... naahhh .... How about those ocean going vessels navigating a river where canal horses used to ..... naahhh ....

It makes you wonder about priorities ...