MRC Low-Water Inspection Trip Set for This Month

The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) will conduct its annual low-water inspection trip on the Mississippi River August 7-18, 2017, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ St. Louis District, said in its latest announcement. 

Four public meetings have been scheduled aboard the Motor Vessel Mississippi in selected towns along the river so commission members have the opportunity to meet with local partners, stakeholders and residents to hear their concerns, ideas and issues.

“All meetings are open to the public. Interested parties are invited to present views on matters affecting the water resources infrastructure needs in the valley, including flood control, the Mississippi River and Tributaries project, environmental issues, recreation, navigation and others,” USACE said.

The meeting places, dates and times are as follows:

  • Aug. 7, 9 a.m. Cape Girardeau, Missouri (City Front);
  • Aug. 9, 9 a.m. Memphis, Tennessee (Beale Street Landing);
  • Aug. 11, 9 a.m. Vicksburg, Mississippi (City Front);
  • Aug. 18, 9 a.m. Houma, Louisiana (CENAC Towing Company Port).

This year, the commission will also travel down the Red River during the second week, making additional stops in Louisiana at Shreveport, Natchitoches and Alexandria.

General duties of the commission include recommending policy and work programs, studying and reporting on the necessity for modifications or additions to the flood control and navigation project and conducting semi-annual inspection trips.

The authority of the commission extends the entire length of the Mississippi River from its headwaters at Lake Itasca, Minnesota, to Head of Passes, Louisiana, where the Mississippi River empties into the Gulf of Mexico.