Midwestern Drought Threatens the Mississippi River

"It would cripple our national economy to shut down the Mississippi River," said R.D. James, a Missouri farmer and a member of the Mississippi River Commission. Those involved in the shipping business have requested the federal government to destroy rock formations that hinder navigation in shallow water and to release water from reservoirs along the upper Missouri River. The Army Corps of Engineers has already been breaking down the formations and expect the work to be completed in 30-45 days. However, the corps has refused the second request, "saying it does not have the authority to use that water to aid navigation on the Mississippi."

Water levels have been dipping more slowly than expected, even though the Waterways Council initially warned that shipping would come to a halt by Monday. The corps estimates that water levels will dip below nine feet by January 11, and unless there is substantial rainfall or the release of water, shipping will come to a stop. "A coalition of businesses involved in trade along the Mississippi and sympathetic lawmakers have asked President Obama to order the water released," says Schwartz, "But without action from the president, Congress or the courts, the water will stay behind the reservoirs of the upper Missouri."

Carriers have been loading barges to a lighter weight to navigate the water depth, but the water crisis may force farmers to consider other transportation options. However, "[w]ith the threat of a shutdown ahead, farmers might decide to hold their grain instead of shipping it in a more expensive manner," said Gregory L. Guenther, a farmer and corporate consultant. Shifting transportation modes would be a short-term solution, but Steven L. Stockton, the director of civil works for the corps, said, "The only long-term solution is more rain."