Senator Baldwin Introduces Bill to Restore and Protect the Mississippi River
Mississippi River supports $500-billion-a-year economy and employs 1.5 million people, but faces increased threats of flooding and contamination
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) introduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) Act, legislation to restore and protect the Mississippi River corridor amid growing threats that put this vital waterway, and the economy that depends on it, at risk. The legislation creates a collaborative initiative to coordinate efforts and invest in building resilience to flooding and storms, improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. MRRRI is modeled around the successful and broadly supported Great Lakes Restoration Initiative that coordinates across states and sectors to clean up toxic contaminants, control harmful and invasive aquatic species, restore habitats, and leverage investments for economic activity.
“The Mississippi River is essential to Wisconsin’s economy and way of life – from moving Made in Wisconsin products to market, to supporting fishing, boating, and other outdoor recreation, to providing fresh drinking water for millions of families,” said Senator Baldwin. “As communities along the river face more frequent flooding and worsening pollution, we must confront these challenges head on while also making the long-term investments needed to prepare for those ahead. Investing in the Mighty Mississippi is an investment in our economy, the great outdoors and the next generation of Wisconsinites.”
For 20 million Americans, the Mississippi River is their primary source of drinking water. The river supports a $500-billion-a-year commercial, recreation, and natural resources-based river economy that employs 1.5 million people.
MRRRI will fund community-driven projects to restore and protect the Mississippi River and build resilience for the communities who depend upon it. A regularly updated action plan, developed with public input, will guide the implementation of the MRRRI and the use of federal funds to:
- Improve water quality to protect drinking water, wildlife, and river-dependent industries by reducing runoff pollution.
- Reduce flood and storm risks and increase community resilience through natural infrastructure solutions and ecologically sound management.
- Protect and restore wildlife habitat, including by preventing the spread of aquatic invasive species.
- Improve communication and partnership activities related to the focus areas listed above.
- Monitor, collect, and evaluate scientific data to assess the focus areas listed above.
Senator Baldwin has long supported navigation and ecosystem improvements along the Upper Mississippi River. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Senator Baldwin works each year to secure strong funding for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program, which monitors the health of the river and restores key habitat for fish and wildlife critical for Wisconsin’s recreational economy.
This year, Senator Baldwin worked with her colleagues to successfully secure a total of $18 million in federal funding for the Army Corps of Engineers’ Navigation and Ecosystem Sustainability Program (NESP) to improve and restore both the capacity and efficiency of the river’s navigation system, as well as the river’s ecosystems.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) leads companion legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Full text of the bill is available here.
NOTE: This press release was submitted to Urban Milwaukee and was not written by an Urban Milwaukee writer. While it is believed to be reliable, Urban Milwaukee does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness.
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