BROAD COALITIONS ARE NEEDED TO IMPROVE THE UPPER MISSISSIPPI RIVER

Lindsay Mitchell

Jun 15, 2016  |  Today's News

The December release of the AWI Report Card and Assessment confirmed what other government and independent agencies have been saying for years in regard to the state of our natural and man-made water infrastructure, water quality and water quality in the Upper Mississippi River.

In fact, IL Corn has been working for increased investment in the Mississippi River transportation system for decades.  Most recently, we’ve seen success with an increased user fee.  The increased fee generates money for the Inland Waterways Trust Fund and makes upgrades, maintenance and new lock starts a possibility MUCH sooner than we originally thought we might accomplish them.

But the AWI Report Card shared the shortcomings of the Upper Mississippi River in such a way that it is clear - broad-based collaborative action is needed to make the improvements at scale required.  Underinvestment in infrastructure and programs related to water in the Upper Mississippi System for decades is obvious.  New, different, creative and alternative approaches will be required to get the results needed.

The Upper Mississippi River Raise-the-Grade Conference is all about grass roots collaborative action.  Water solutions in the Upper Mississippi River are multidisciplinary, are fundamentally complex, and will involve multiple interests and stakeholders all pulling together to ensure water security for future generations that will benefit both people and nature. 

Mark your calendar for the Upper Mississippi River Raise-the-Grade Conference on October 13-14, 2016 in the Quad Cities.  Click here to register!