Proposed Legislation Sounds Alarm on Mississippi River Drought

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.”