Mississippi River Commission
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
| ||||||||||||||||||||
Mississippi River Commission (MRC) is responsible for managing and improving the navigational and flood control aspects of the Mississippi River, ensuring the river's functionality while protecting against natural disasters.
Mission
The Mississippi River Commission's mission is to recommend policies and manage projects that enhance navigation, control floods, and protect the environmental integrity of the Mississippi River system. This includes overseeing the construction of levees, implementing navigation improvements, and ensuring the ecological health of the river basin.
Parent organization
The MRC is a part of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), specifically within the Mississippi Valley Division.
Legislation
The MRC was established by the Act of June 28, 1879, which was enacted to address the long-standing issues of flood control and navigation on the Mississippi River.
Partners
The MRC works with various entities including:
- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
- State and local governments along the Mississippi River.
Number of employees
The exact number of employees for the MRC is not specified as it operates within the broader structure of the USACE.
Organization structure
- Commissioners, including three Army Corps officers, one NOAA member, and three civilian engineers, who make policy decisions.
- Support Staff from the USACE provides technical and administrative support.
List of programs
- Mississippi River and Tributaries Project (MR&T)
- Semi-Annual Inspection Trips - Public Hearings and Site Visits
- Environmental Management Programs for the Mississippi River Basin
Last total enacted budget
The specific budget for the MRC isn't publicly detailed as it's part of the USACE's broader budget allocations.
Leader
The MRC is led by a President, who is typically a senior USACE officer.
Services provided
The MRC provides services related to flood control through levee systems, enhancement of river navigation by maintaining channel depths, and environmental programs aimed at preserving and enhancing the ecological systems along the river. They also conduct inspections, engage in public outreach, and coordinate with various stakeholders to manage river-related issues.
Regulations overseen
While the MRC does not directly oversee regulations, it influences policy and project implementation under federal statutes related to water resources, navigation, and flood control.
Headquarters address
1400 Walnut Street, Vicksburg, MS 39180, USA
History
The Mississippi River Commission was created in 1879 to address the critical issues of flood control and navigation on the Mississippi River, following years of devastating floods and navigation problems. Over the decades, its role has expanded to include environmental considerations, especially after significant flooding events like the Great Mississippi Flood of 1927, which led to substantial changes in flood control policy and infrastructure development.