The Mississippi River is the second longest river in the United States and the tenth longest river in the world. It is one of America’s most important waterways, providing transportation, industry and recreation to cities and towns across the nation. The US government spends an estimated $500 million each year on maintaining the Mississippi River, with much of the money going towards projects to increase its navigability, cleanliness and security.
Projects funded include dredging operations to straighten curves, maintain depth and clear blockages; building or maintaining jetties, breakwaters and locks; constructing or restoring levees and dams; working with states, counties and landowners to control flooding; and maintaining navigation aids and channel markers.
The money also goes towards research projects examining water quality, the health of native fish species, coastal ecosystem restoration, and the potential impacts of climate change on the river. Some of the funds are used for recreation and tourism research and initiatives such as river festivals and access points for canoes and rafts.
The US Environmental Protection Agency estimates that more than $12 billion will be needed to maintain the ecological health and economic vitality of the Mississippi over the next decade. A number of initiatives are under way to help meet this goal, such as the Mississippi River and Tributaries Program, which uses federal money to fund projects such as levee and lock improvement.
However, experts say that federal funds are not enough, and that state and local governments, plus private sources, also need to contribute in order to adequately maintain the ecological health and navigability of the Mississippi. In addition, experts say that public education and awareness of the perils and benefits of the river is necessary to encourage further investment.
The Mississippi River is an integral part of the nation’s economy and ecological wellbeing, and spending money on its upkeep is essential to its future. The US government is committed to investing in the maintenance and preservation of the river for the benefit of generations to come.
Conservation Efforts
The US government is investing in conservation efforts to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries, such as the Upper Mississippi, Missouri and Illinois Rivers. Projects include efforts to reduce pollution, increase water quality and aquatic habitat, restore native fish and animal species, and increase recreational opportunities.
For instance, the US Fish and Wildlife Service has a program that helps restore habitats in areas such as wetlands, woodlands and grasslands, making them more suitable for local wildlife. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is helping to reduce the amount of runoff entering the river, improving water quality. The EPA also funds projects to reduce the amount of hazardous substances discharged into the Mississippi.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is also involved in conservation efforts, by maintaining and improving habitats for fish and animals and preserving floodplain areas. The US Geological Survey is involved in projects studying water quality and fisheries management. In addition, state and local governments are also doing their part by investing in conservation and restoration projects.
As well as investing in conservation, the US government spends money on navigation improvement projects along the Mississippi. Projects aim to make the river more navigable and efficient, by dredging and maintaining channels, establishing or restoring levees and dams, and improving locks and jetties. Funds are also used to build new bridges to eliminate locks, improve navigation aids and construct or maintain channel markers.
The Mississippi River and Tributaries Program is a federal and state collaborative effort to reduce flood damages and improve navigation. The program also works with states, counties and landowners to control flooding, increase navigation safety and reduce river channel sedimentation.
The US Coast Guard also works to improve navigation safety and security by providing navigation assistance, monitoring vessel traffic and conducting law enforcement patrols. In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers continues to maintain and improve navigation safety and efficiency along the Mississippi River and other US waterways.
Waterway Security
The US government has invested in a number of security initiatives to protect the Mississippi River and its tributaries from vandalism, terrorism and other threats. These include efforts to increase surveillance of the waterway and identify suspicious activity.
The US Department of Homeland Security and the Coast Guard have a program in place to track vessels and prevent illegal entry. The Coast Guard also patrols and inspects vessels, and works with state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to ensure waterway security. In addition, the Department of Defense has initiated a program to patrol ports and conduct surveillance of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
The Department of Energy is also involved in waterway security initiatives by installing underwater sensors to detect radioactive material, biological and chemical weapons, and other threats. The US Customs and Border Protection works with state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies to intercept contraband and prevent smuggling and terrorist activities.
Invasive Species Control
The US government has invested in controlling invasive species, such as the Asian carp, in the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The Fish and Wildlife Service has a program to monitor the movement of aquatic invasive species, and to fund research into their management and control.
In addition, the US Army Corps of Engineers has implemented measures such as aquatic barriers and fish ladders that help to reduce the spread of invasive species and protect native plants and animals. The Department of Agriculture has also developed a program to reduce the impact of invasive plants, animals and aquatic pests in the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Education and Awareness
The US government is investing in education and awareness campaigns to inform the public about the importance of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The EPA and Army Corps of Engineers have programs that distribute information about the river and its projects, and how the public can help protect it.
The US Fish and Wildlife Service also has a program that provides educational materials to schools, libraries and community organizations, and works with local, state and tribal governments to expand their public outreach. The Coast Guard has a program to educate boaters on proper navigational practices and water safety.
In addition, the National Park Service has a program to promote recreational activities on the Mississippi River and its tributaries, and to educate the public about the importance of these vital resources. State and local governments are also involved in education and awareness initiatives, by providing information on the benefits of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.
Environmental Monitoring
The US government has invested in environmental monitoring initiatives to ensure the health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries. The EPA monitors water temperature, quality and current flow, and has established guidelines for maintenance and improvement.
In addition, the US Geological Survey collects data on water quality and monitors aquatic habitats. The US Fish and Wildlife Service has programs for monitoring fish populations, aquatic species and their habitats, as well as controlling and preventing diseases. The Department of Agriculture also has a program to monitor and control the spread of invasive species.
State and local governments also participate in environmental monitoring initiatives, by collecting data on water quality and quantity, and conducting inspections for pollutants or contaminants. In addition, many state and local governments have adopted watershed plans that focus on protecting water resources and restoring aquatic habitats.
