McCollum Reintroduces Popular Mississippi River Study Bill

Press Release

McCollum Reintroduces Popular Mississippi River Study Bill

Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN) has reintroduced the Mississippi River Special Resource Study Act (H.R. 2482), a bill to ensure long-term preservation of America's "working river." A previous version of this bill unanimously passed the House during the last Congress.

"The Mississippi River is a living American treasure," Rep. McCollum said today. "We should act now to ensure that future generations of Americans can appreciate and enjoy its great natural, cultural and economic significance. This legislation is the first step toward preservation."

The Mississippi River Special Resource Study Act directs the National Park Service to develop strategies for the long-term preservation of the Mississippi River in partnership with local governments, non-profit organizations and other entities along the ten-state river corridor from Minnesota to Louisiana. Options include incorporating part or all of the corridor into the U.S. National Parks System.

This study will help preserve the river's natural treasures, support tourism by coordinating public and private amenities along the river, and recognize its immense historical and cultural value to our nation. Despite the Mississippi River's central place in the American experience, no comprehensive study on preserving the entire river corridor has ever been conducted.

The Mississippi River Special Resource Study Act is cosponsored by Reps. Ron Kind (D-WI), Madeleine Bordallo (D-Guam), Leonard Boswell (D-IA), Tim Walz (D-MN), Keith Ellison (D-MN), and Tammy Baldwin (D-WI).

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