Economics of the Ohio River Improvement

Brief descriptions of the improved Ohio River are given in this paper, including methods used in navigating it, and the character of the freight borne upon it. The problem presented is then stated, namely, is the public compensated for the heavy national expenditures on the improvement? Commercial navigation costs are determined as accurately as possible, on a ton-mile basis, for each class of freight. Government costs are analyzed on a ton-mile basis, applicable to all classes of freight. The sum of these two costs is compared with rail rates for various commodities, both analytically and graphically. The conclusion is reached that the public has been compensated for its expenditures on the Ohio River improvement, and that this fact tends to become more and more evident every year.