Some members of the Michigan Agri-Business Association and Muskegon officials have been investigating the possibility of a river barge terminal on the east end of Muskegon Lake. Association President Jim Byrum recently presented the idea and feels that Muskegon is an excellent location since it is a deep-water port with nearby railroad and highway connections. The river barge terminal would allow Michigan farmers to be linked to Gulf Coast export opportunities going through Chicago and the Mississippi River barge system. The proposal becomes even more appealing since returning barges could bring materials such as farm equipment, seed or fertilizer back to Michigan ports. The development would need to be reviewed and approved by the U.S. Coast Guard and the American Bureau of Shipping before proceeding.