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
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.
Midwestern Drought Threatens the Mississippi River
The Mississippi River handles $7 billion in trade as one of the world's largest navigable inland waterways. A Midwestern drought has brought the river to water levels so low that they threaten to shut down shipping, reports John Schwartz.
The Top Urban Planning Books of 2022
An annual list of the must-read books related to urban planning and its intersecting fields.
European Cities Act on Density
The sprawling mass of suburbia has been a disaster for the environment. But now smaller, denser cities herald a renaissance in city living.
Nashville Sets Downtown Parking Maximums
Nashville is the latest city to enact a substantive change to the parking requirements set by the city’s zoning code—doing away with parking minimums and setting parking maximums in the city’s Urban Zoning Overlay.
Advice for a Post-Parking Mandate World
After abolishing parking requirements, what can cities do to make the most of new space and revenue and avoid backlash?
Western Voters: Yes to Conservation, No to Extremism
Voters in Western states generally favored candidates who support public land conservation in this November’s election and rejected extremist rhetoric.
Detailing the Boring Company’s Poor Track Record
Elon Musk’s promised solution for congestion—the Boring Co.—has proven most successful at disappearing on the governments that trusted them.
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