Without concerted restoration efforts, the river’s historically low levels could dramatically impact shipping activities and economic development throughout the region.
The once ‘mighty’ Mississippi River, whose watershed covers 41 percent of the lower 48 states, is running dry. Writing for American Rivers, Amy Souers Kober reports on the crisis, which is already disrupting goods movement, tourism, and other economic activity along the river.
Home to 241 fish species, 50 species of mammals, and 45 species of amphibians, the Mississippi is a key habitat for resident and migratory animals. Last month, the river hit record low levels, hindering shipping activities and even endangering drinking water supplies. Scientists who study the river expect that climate change will mean less rainfall across the river basin.
If passed by Congress, the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative would fund a federal program focused on conservation and restoration of the river. Representative Betty McCollum, who sponsored the legislation, said in a statement on her website, “This initiative will coordinate efforts on conservation and environmental restoration along the entire river corridor and open up grant opportunities for state and local governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations.”
FULL STORY: The mighty Mississippi running dry: what you need to know
The Year in Public Lands
Public policy decisions that will impact land and water conservation in the American West.
Drought Threatens Mississippi River Shipping Corridor
Disruption of shipping on the Mississippi could imperil food supplies and cost billions in losses.
California Water Plan Foretells Tension Between Cities, Farmers
Recognizing the ongoing drought's severity, Sacramento is set to adopt a new statewide conservation plan. But some say the regulations don't place enough pressure on California's agricultural sector.
Amtrak Ramping Up Infrastructure Projects
Thanks to federal funding from the 2021 infrastructure act, the agency plans to triple its investment in infrastructure improvements and new routes in the next two years.
Ending Downtown San Francisco’s ‘Doom Loop’
A new public space project offers an ambitious vision—so why is the city implementing it at such a small scale?
Proposal Would Transform L.A.’s ‘Freeway to Nowhere’ Into Park, Housing
A never-completed freeway segment could see new life as a mixed-use development with housing, commercial space, and one of the county’s largest parks.
Report: Bike Lanes Can't Make up for New Roads
If California wants to meet its climate goals, the state must stop funding its myriad road construction and expansion projects.
Minneapolis Affordable Housing Project Largest in 20 Years
The city opened its first large multifamily affordable housing complex in decades, but a recent court ruling against the Minneapolis 2040 rezoning plan could jeopardize future projects.
NYC Mayor Proposes Eliminating Parking Minimums
Mayor Adams wants to stop requiring off-site parking for new buildings to reduce the costs of construction as part of the ‘City of Yes’ package of zoning reforms.
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