CONGRESSMAN BENNIE THOMPSON INTRODUCE LEGISLATION TO RESTORE & PROTECT THE MISSISSIPPI RIVER

(BOLTON, MISSISSIPPI) – Congressman Bennie Thompson announced the introduction of Legislation to Restore and Protect the Mississippi River along with Reps McCollum, Bush, Cohen, and Yarmuth. This legislation will coordinate restoration and resilience opportunities up and down the Mississippi River corridor, the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Act (MRRRI) alongside Rep. Betty McCollum (MN-04), Rep. Cori Bush (MO-01), Rep. Steve Cohen (TN-09), and Rep. John Yarmuth (KY-03).

“It is an absolute necessity to address ongoing issues with one of North America’s greatest river systems,” Rep. Thompson said. “By prioritizing the Mississippi River, we perform a great duty in providing a healthy atmosphere for our ecosystem, safe drinking water for millions of Americans, and valuable support for America’s economy. Stretching along the entire western border of Mississippi’s 2nd Congressional District, the Mississippi River is our aquatic highway for commerce and wildlife habitat. I am proud to support Congresswoman Betty McCollum’s restoration and resilience initiative.”

Background:

• 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 bill text can be found here.
• View Library of Congress resources on the cultural impact and history of the Mississippi River here.
• View a MRRRI fact sheet here.
• Find more information at mccollum.house.gov/MRRRI.