The Mississippi River, the second longest river in the United States, has been a source of transportation, trade, recreation, and economic development since the 18th century. Throughout its history, it has been home to many industries and businesses – from coal and oil to fishing, shipping, and manufacturing. This article will explore the various industries located along the Mississippi River and how they contribute to the US economy.
The Mississippi is one of the most important waterways in the United States and connects numerous states from the Midwest to the Gulf of Mexico. It is estimated that between $400 and $500 billion worth of goods are moved on the river each year, making it a major transportation route. Many of the industries found along the Mississippi benefit from this vast network, including coal mining, oil and gas exploration, fishing and aquatic life, shipping and transportation, manufacturing, and tourism.
Coal mining has been a common industry along the river for centuries. Many of the coal deposits found in the area are located close to the shore, making it easier to extract the fuel. As of 2021, there are more than 300 coal extraction sites in operation along the Mississippi, producing over one million tons of coal each year. The coal is used primarily in the production of steel and electricity, and the industry generates billions of dollars in revenue.
Oil and gas exploration is another profitable industry located along the Mississippi. Oil and gas reserves in the area are estimated to be worth over $100 billion. The industry relies on advanced technology to extract the fuel, and employs hundreds of workers. In addition to the energy resources, the Mississippi is also home to a thriving fishing industry. Aquatic life is abundant in the river, with more than 100 species of fish. The industry provides jobs for thousands of people and generates millions of dollars in revenue.
Shipping is one of the most important industries along the Mississippi. The river is a major waterway for commercial vessels and provides an essential route for goods and commodities to be transported. Shipping companies provide jobs to thousands of people and provide a vital source of income for the states found along the river. In addition to shipping, tourists flock to the area to enjoy the scenic beauty and abundance of recreational activities the river has to offer.
Manufacturing is also a major industry along the river. Many factories are located here, producing everything from paper products to electronics and automobiles. These factories provide jobs to thousands of people and generate billions of dollars in revenue annually. In addition, many of the products produced here are exported to other countries.
Finally, tourism is a huge industry found along the Mississippi. Every year, millions of people visit the area to see the beautiful scenery, historic sites, and recreational activities. Tourism provides jobs to thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue for the local economy.
Deforestation and Erosion in the Mississippi Watershed
Deforestation and erosion are two of the greatest environmental concerns related to industries along the Mississippi River. Deforestation has decreased habitats of various species and has caused a decline in aquatic life due to excessive sedimentation. Erosion has caused significant land loss and is a major factor in the degradation of the river’s environment. To address these issues, the governments of states along the river have implemented a number of environmental regulations to protect the Mississippi and its tributaries.
An example is the Clean Water Act of 1972, which set limits on the amount of pollution discharged into the river. Additionally, the Mississippi River Commission has formed collaborations between government agencies and private businesses to address the issues of deforestation, erosion, and pollution. These collaborations have resulted in the reforestation of forests and the conservation of wetlands, which helps to maintain the natural beauty of the river.
Capital Investments in Mississippi River Growth
The US government has made numerous investments to promote the growth of industries along the Mississippi River. One of the largest investments is The Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act. This bill was signed into law in 2016 and allocates over $10 billion to infrastructure projects along the Mississippi River. The projects are designed to improve water transportation, reduce flooding, mitigate erosion, and protect and restore aquatic ecosystems.
The US Army Corps of Engineers is also responsible for numerous improvements along the Mississippi. This includes projects such as the Second Illinois Waterway Project, which aims to reduce the risk of flooding and improve navigation along the river. Additionally, the Corps plans to build the Metro Red Line, a $2.7 billion inland cargo port complex that is expected to double the amount of cargo moving through the area.
Impacts of Mississippi River Industries
The various industries along the Mississippi River have had a major impact on the US economy. Collectively, they generate billions of dollars each year and provide jobs to thousands of people. Furthermore, they provide necessary energy and transportation resources that are essential for industry and commerce. The river’s industry has also had a major impact on the environment, with both positive and negative effects.
On the one hand, the industries have caused the depletion of aquatic life, pollution, and soil erosion. On the other hand, the government has taken steps to mitigate these negative effects, such as the Clean Water Act and the Second Illinois Waterway Project. Additionally, the industries have contributed to the prosperity of the states along the Mississippi River and the United States as a whole.
Alternate Energy Sources Along the Mississippi
Despite the many traditional industries that the Mississippi River supports, alternate energy sources are becoming increasingly popular. Solar and wind energy are the two most common sources of renewable energy found along the river. Solar energy is produced by using specialized solar cells to capture and convert the sun’s rays into usable energy. As of 2021, there are more than one hundred solar facilities located along the Mississippi that collectively generate more than 1,000 megawatts of power.
Wind energy is another clean source of energy found along the river. Wind turbines generate electricity by converting the kinetic energy of the wind into electrical energy. As of 2021, the US has more than 300 wind farms located along the Mississippi River, generating over 25,000 megawatts of energy. These farms provide an environmentally friendly option for energy production.
Mississippi River Shipping
Shipping along the Mississippi River is vital for the local economies as it allows for the transportation of many goods and services. It is estimated that close to 500 million tons of cargo are transported along the river each year. This includes coal, oil, grain, chemicals, petroleum products, and forest products. In addition, the shipping industry provides jobs to thousands of people and generates billions of dollars in revenue.
Recently, the US government has sought to promote the growth of the shipping industry by investing in port and terminal improvements. This includes the building of more advanced docking facilities and the installation of more efficient loading and unloading mechanisms. In addition, major shipping companies such as FedEx and UPS have invested millions of dollars in the area, providing jobs to locals and contributing to the local economy.
Conclusion of Mississippi River Industries
The Mississippi River has a long history of supporting various industries, from coal mining to oil and gas exploration, fishing and aquatic life, shipping and transportation, and manufacturing. Thousands of people are employed in these industries and billions of dollars are generated in revenue. The governments of states along the river have taken steps to protect the environment, such as the implementation of the Clean Water Act, and have made large capital investments in infrastructure projects aimed at promoting economic growth in the area.
