Rep. McCollum, Sen. Baldwin Introduce Bicameral Legislation to Promote Resilience Initiative for Mississippi River Corridor

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) have introduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act (MRRRI) in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate , legislation to establish a non-regulatory initiative that will coordinate restoration and resilience opportunities up and down the Mississippi River corridor. MRRRI is modeled around the successful and broadly-supported Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI). In reintroducing the bill for the 118^th Congress, McCollum released the following statement:

“The Mississippi River is a working river, vital for commerce, recreation, and as a source of drinking water for 20 million Americans,” Congresswoman McCollum said. “Because people who cared stepped up in the past to protect it, the Mississippi is a place for families to enjoy, an important flyway for migratory birds, and a source of jobs and economic growth. But there is more work to be done, with decades of pollution having damaged the river’s ecosystem, and new challenges are emerging for communities up and down the corridor. From the northernmost headwater communities, to where I grew up along the river in South St. Paul, to the Middle Mississippi where it meets the Ohio River, and all the way down to the Mississippi Delta—the health of this great river deserves our attention and our investment. Working together alongside states, counties, local governments, and others who love the Mississippi, our coordinated federal effort will promote the resiliency of this vital waterway. I am excited and proud to introduce legislation with Senator Baldwin that will help us Keep it Mighty for the next generation.”

“The Mississippi River is a water highway for Made in Wisconsin goods, a fresh water source for millions of families, and an iconic American landmark that attracts outdoor enthusiasts and visitors to the Badger State,” said Senator Baldwin. “With extreme weather events like flooding becoming more common, pollution and environmental degradation on the rise, and the increased prevalence of invasive species, we need to work together to protect and restore the Mississippi so it can continue to provide for our families, economy, and way of life. I am proud to champion this investment to double down on our resiliency and restoration efforts for this freshwater giant, the ecosystems that rely on these waters, and the communities whose economy, health, and future are tied to the Mighty Mississippi.”

“The Mississippi River is an environmental treasure, an economic corridor, and a place of recreation and enjoyment for so many Americans. Counties support the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act, which would provide valuable federal resources to enhance the overall health of the river extending through counties from the Headwaters to the Delta. We thank Congresswoman McCollum for introducing this bill and urge its swift passage.” -Mary Jo McGuire, President of the National Association of Counties, Past President of the Association of Minnesota Counties, and Ramsey County Commissioner

“Representative Betty McCollum is a true champion for the river. We’re grateful for her leadership in bringing together the many agencies and stakeholders working to improve the health of our river. It's clear that more coordination across federal agencies is needed over the 10-state basin. We’re excited to see this momentum toward a full river program, the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative.” -Whitney Clark, Executive Director, Friends of the Mississippi River

“Thank you to Representative Betty McCollum for her continued commitment to a healthier and more resilient Mississippi River. We are hopeful that this bill will provide a basis for continued discussions with decision-makers and stakeholders up and down the river, as we work toward a comprehensive program to advance the restoration of this national asset.” -Jessie Ritter, Associate Vice President for Water and Coasts, National Wildlife Federation

“It’s hard to overstate the Mississippi River’s importance—from our drinking water to our cultures, traditions, and economy. Our river has been in a state of decline for many years, in part because federal programs are under-resourced and not well coordinated. Adding resources and a long-term framework through the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act will go a long way to address this.” -Kelly McGinnis, Executive Director, Mississippi River Network

Background:

McCollum first introduced the MRRRI Act in the U.S. House of Representatives in the 117^th Congress. Today’s announcement marks the first time the legislation is introduced with a Senate companion. Support is growing for a regional initiative for Mississippi River states, to replicate the success of other regional programs.

The non-regulatory Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative (MRRRI) invests in building resilience to increased flooding and storms, improving water quality, restoring wildlife habitat, and stopping the spread of aquatic invasive species. MRRRI will fund community-driven projects, with dedicated investments in those communities that have born the highest costs of environmental degradation. The changes to the bill for this Congress are minor technical edits, along with two substantive changes after consultation with stakeholders:  

• Adding a 5% set aside, managed by BIA, for tribal governments and tribal organizations
• Removing reference to an authorized Appropriations amount

Joining McCollum in the House as original cosponsors of the MRRRI Act are: Rep. Delia Ramirez (IL-03), Rep. Jesús G. "Chuy" García (IL-04), Rep. Troy Carter (LA-02), Rep. Dean Phillips (MN-03), Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS-02), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), Rep. Gwen Moore (WI-04).

Additional Resources:

• The bill text is available here.
• View a MRRRI fact sheet here.
• Find more information at mccollum.house.gov/MRRRI.
• Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel: The Mississippi River is central to America's story. Why doesn't it get more love? (12/3/23)
• View Library of Congress resources on the cultural impact and history of the Mississippi River here.

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