NRC first reviewed the feasibility study in 2001 during controversies over the accuracy of models being used by the Corps to justify lock expansion based on increased demand for barge transportation.

• NRC对这项可行性研究的首次审核是在2001年，当时工程部队采用的模型以驳船运输需求的增长为基础来解释船闸扩建的必要性，但模型的精确性存在争议。