Mississippi River mayors seek a multi-state agreement to protect the river from water diversions to dry states


Mississippi River mayors seek a multi-state agreement to protect the river from water diversions to dry states
Mississippi River mayors seek a multi-state agreement to protect the river from water diversions to dry states A group of community leaders along the Mississippi River has taken the first step toward developing a multi-state agreement to manage and protect water from diversions to dry southwestern states. Mayors from communities along the river approved a resolution to develop a Mississippi River Compact that would include 10 states, the action taken during the annual meeting of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative in Bemidji. Colin Wellenkamp, the group’s executive director, said they hope a regional approach will provide better management of water resources and protect the river... ...La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, the group’s co-chair, said the river generates nearly $500 billion annually and provides drinking water to around 20 million people. "It`s crucial in my mind to our economies, as well as national security, to maintain the habitat of the river, to maintain the integrity of the Mississippi," Reynolds said. "Protecting the Mississippi from diversion efforts helps achieve those goals, and a compact will guard against any attempts to divert in the future just like what has occurred with the Great Lakes Compact."... ...more Ken Notes: Nice to see Mayor Reynolds in a leadership role here!

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A group of community leaders along the Mississippi River has taken the first step toward developing a multi-state agreement to manage and protect water from diversions to dry southwestern states.

Mayors from communities along the river approved a resolution to develop a Mississippi River Compact that would include 10 states, the action taken during the annual meeting of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative in Bemidji. Colin Wellenkamp, the group’s executive director, said they hope a regional approach will provide better management of water resources and protect the river...

...La Crosse Mayor Mitch Reynolds, the group’s co-chair, said the river generates nearly $500 billion annually and provides drinking water to around 20 million people.

"It`s crucial in my mind to our economies, as well as national security, to maintain the habitat of the river, to maintain the integrity of the Mississippi," Reynolds said. "Protecting the Mississippi from diversion efforts helps achieve those goals, and a compact will guard against any attempts to divert in the future just like what has occurred with the Great Lakes Compact."...

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