The Great Plains area has fewer rivers than most of the rest of the country.
Partly due to the Aquifer underneath that absorbs the water.
The ICC was created because the RailRoads had too much power.
Of course, they initially needed this power to get established, in the first place.
By 1980, the National Highway Network, had totally changed and neutralized the power that the railroads once held.
The ICC once prevented the railroads from abandoning rail lines.
By 1980, who cares just find some trucks to haul the goods.