Background Information
The Mississippi River is one of the most iconic rivers in the United States. Spanning more than 2,300 miles, it is the second longest river in the U.S. and flows through the states of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky, Tennessee, Arkansas, and Mississippi. The Mississippi River serves as the primary drainage basin for nearly 35 percent of the contiguous United States, with approximately 40 percent of the total population of the United States living in the Mississippi’s drainage basin.
The Mississippi River is a vital source of freshwater for both states, providing necessary water for domestic, agricultural, and recreational uses. Along with being an important source of water, the Mississippi River also serves as an important transportation route for goods and people.
Louisiana and Mississippi
The Mississippi River runs through the states of Louisiana and Mississippi. In Louisiana, the Mississippi River runs from the northwest border of the state, near St. Francisville, to the state’s southeastern border. From this point, the Mississippi River forms part of the border between Mississippi and Louisiana. The Mississippi River runs for approximately 630 miles in Louisiana, with the main shipping channels passing through the cities of Baton Rouge, New Orleans, and Alexandria.
The Mississippi River forms the border between Mississippi and Louisiana for a distance of approximately 200 miles. The same shipping channels that are used in Louisiana are also used in Mississippi, with the main channels running through the cities of Hattiesburg, Vicksburg, and Greenville.
Economic Impact
The Mississippi River has had a tremendous economic impact on both Louisiana and Mississippi. In Louisiana, the Mississippi River is the primary transportation route for nearly all of the state’s crude oil, natural gas, and other commodities. Without the river, these raw materials and goods would need to be shipped by truck, rail, or air, significantly increasing the cost of transportation and impairing the state’s ability to remain competitive in global markets.
In Mississippi, the Mississippi River serves as an important transportation route for agricultural products and manufactured goods. The river also allows for the transportation of large quantities of goods, which is beneficial to many of the state’s industries. Additionally, the Mississippi River serves as a major tourist destination, bringing in large numbers of people from around the world.
Environmental Impact
While the Mississippi River has been an important source of both economic prosperity and freshwater for the states of Louisiana and Mississippi, it has also been the source of significant ecological damage. The high levels of pollution in the river have led to the river being closed to fishing in many areas. Additionally, the river has been the source of a number of significant floods, leading to the loss of lives and property in both states.
Pollution Control
In recent decades, both Louisiana and Mississippi have taken significant steps to address the pollution in the Mississippi River. Measures have been taken to reduce the amount of runoff from farms and other sources of pollution. Additionally, both states have taken steps to reduce the amount of agricultural runoff entering the river.
Conclusion
The Mississippi River is a vital source of freshwater, transportation, and tourism to both Louisiana and Mississippi. It is also a source of significant ecological damage, but both states have taken steps to reduce the amount of pollution in the river. The states have also taken measures to reduce the amount of runoff from farms and other sources of pollution, which has helped improve the water quality of the Mississippi River.
