Located in the heart of the US, the Mississippi River is a critical part of the nation’s economy and social fabric. But is the Mississippi River closed in St. Louis, Missouri? The answer is a bit complicated.
The St. Louis Mississippi Riverfront—known to locals as “the great river road”—is a tourist hotspot, with popular attractions like the Gateway Arch, Laclede’s Landing, and the Anheuser Busch brewery. Although most of the activities on the waterfront are open to the public, the waterway itself is closed to navigation past the Jefferson Barracks Bridge to the east of downtown. The river closure is part of an effort to ensure the safety of the river’s recreational users and its wildlife.
The issue of river closures for the Mississippi River—a major artery for commercial shipping — is a complex one with various perspectives. While businesses along the river understandably want to see commerce flourish, fishermen and environmentalists hope to ensure that the river is adequately protected.
Many of the closures are due to aging infrastructure, such as locks and dams that are in need of repair. The U.S. Corps of Engineers is responsible for managing the river and has the power to close stretches of the river if deemed necessary. When a stretch of the river is closed, it means that commercial vessels and recreational users such as boats and fishing vessels can no longer travel past a specific point. The closure can be temporary or permanent, depending on the situation and decision of the Corps.
The Corps often works with local agencies and individuals to determine if it is appropriate to close a particular stretch of the Mississippi River. In the case of closure in St. Louis, the decision was a collaborative effort between the Corps, the Coast Guard, and local authorities. The stretch of the river within St. Louis was closed for the safety of recreational users, as well as for their own protection against potential environmental disasters.
While the closure of this part of the river has been generally accepted by the public, some commercial shippers have expressed concerns about the disruption to their regular operations. In response to these concerns, the Corps is currently examining ways to adjust the closure or expand its reach in order to accommodate the needs of commercial shippers. The Corps has also suggested alternative routes for ships that need to pass through the closed stretch of the river.
Impact on Local Economy
The closure of the Mississippi River in St. Louis has had a notable impact on the local economy. Businesses that rely on freight shipments via the river have had to find alternate means of delivery, resulting in increased costs and slower delivery times. Many businesses have had to close or reduce their operations due to the added expense and strain put on their resources.
The area’s tourism industry has also been adversely affected by restricted access to the waterfront. The Bureau of Economic Analysis estimates that the region saw a 4% decrease in tourism related revenue due to the river’s closure. This has caused many restaurants, hotels, and attractions to suffer financial losses.
The municipal government has taken action to mitigate the economic impact of the river closure. Schools have been given extra funding to help students whose families have been impacted by the closure to continue their education, and grants have been issued to local businesses to help with their immediate losses.
Environmental Factors
The closure of the Mississippi River in St. Louis has had some positive environmental impacts. With less traffic on the river, endangered species in the area have been able to repopulate and thrive. The Mississippi River has also seen an increase in water quality due to the decrease in pollutants that result from commercial traffic.
The closing of the river affects more than just the environment of St. Louis, as the effects can be felt downstream as well. Conservation groups are advocating for protective measures to be implemented to keep the river healthy and safe for all users. This includes not just the closing of a section of the river, but also the regulation of fishing activity, pollution, and habitat damage.
Future of the Mississippi River
As with most decisions made by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the closure of the Mississippi River in St. Louis was intended to protect the waterway from contamination and overexploitation. However, this decision has taken an economic and environmental toll, primarily on the local business owners and residents in the area.
The future of the river remains unclear, as the Corps is currently examining ways to adjust the closure in order to meet the needs of both commercial and recreational users. They are also looking for ways to protect the river from pollutants and ensure the safety of all who use it. Ultimately, it is up to the Corps to ensure that the river remains healthy and safe for everyone.
Agencies Involved
Closing a portion of the Mississippi River is a large task and requires input from multiple agencies in order to be successful. The agencies involved in the decision to close the portion of the river in St. Louis included the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the Coast Guard, and local authorities. The Corps is the lead agency and is responsible for managing the river. It works closely with the Coast Guard to ensure the safety and well-being of the boats and ships that travel on the river.
These agencies also collaborate with local government representatives to create applications and regulations that are designed to keep the river healthy and safe. They work closely with area businesses, tourist attractions, and other stakeholders to ensure their voices are heard on the decision-making process.
Effects on Local Community
The closure of the Mississippi River in St. Louis has had a profound impact on the local community. Local businesses have suffered due to an increase in freight costs and a drop in tourism. Residents have had to adjust to the new regulations, putting additional strains on their resources. The school system has seen an impact due to an increased number of students coming from families affected by the closure.
The local community has come together to help those affected by the closure, raising money and providing resources to those impacted by the river’s closure. The state government has allocated funds to local businesses and schools in an effort to keep them afloat in these tough times.
Ultimately, the decision to close the Mississippi River in St. Louis was a difficult one, and not one that was taken lightly. An effort between multiple agencies and local stakeholders has produced a plan that seeks to both protect the river and accommodate the needs of its users. The future of the Mississippi River in St. Louis remains uncertain, but the community is hopeful that the river will eventually be reopened.
