Rivers issues remain a top priority for the Tri-State Development Summit. That’s why the Rivers Issues Task Force was formed in 1997 to speak with one voice for the Tri-State of Mind.
Every year, the Upper Mississippi ferries more than 125 million tons of commodities with a combined value of $20 billion – and those figures are growing according to the Waterways Council. The National Corn Growers Association reports that navigation on the Upper Mississippi and Illinois Rivers supports over 400,000 jobs, including 90,000 high-paying manufacturing jobs.
Legislation has been passed in all three states creating regional port authorities which have been linked to form the country’s first multi-state intermodal port authority. The Mid-America Port Commission is committed to making the tri-states an international shipping hub – increasing the competiveness of tri-state businesses and creating job opportunities to improve the region’s quality of life.
The task force works with other river-related organizations to impact the improvement of navigation on the upper Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers. With our allies at the Upper Mississippi, Illinois and Missouri Rivers Association, the Waterways Council and levee districts, we have garnered much support. Political leaders are now considering our needs as well as the importance of these rivers to the economy.
The Rivers Issues Task Force also continues to play a critical role in bringing attention to funding the Water Resources Development Act and the lock upgrades that are the lifeline to a vital economy. Ensuring the economic, environmental and social prosperity and sustainability of the Upper Mississippi River System will require a concentrated and continued investment along with purposeful and collaborative river stewardship and management.