Urges congress and the president to provide adequate funding for essential dredging activities on the Lower Mississippi River
Impact
The resolution highlights the economic importance of the Mississippi River as a crucial artery for international trade. It underscores that approximately two-thirds of the U.S. grain exports and major energy shipments travel through this waterway, making its maintenance imperative for not just local, but national economic stability. The call for a $95 million funding package aims to restore the river to its authorized channel dimensions, thereby ensuring continued navigational access which is vital for myriad industries including agriculture and manufacturing.
Summary
House Concurrent Resolution 163 (HCR163) calls upon the United States Congress and the President to ensure adequate funding for critical dredging activities on the Lower Mississippi River. The resolution emphasizes that neglect of dredging has reduced the width and depth of vital navigation channels, impacting the efficiency of cargo traffic essential to both the local and national economy. HCR163 comes against a backdrop of increased sediment accumulation that poses significant challenges, particularly following record river stages that have left the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers under-resourced.
Sentiment
The sentiment surrounding HCR163 is predominantly favorable among those who recognize the imperative of maintaining efficient trade routes. Legislators from both sides have united in their support for the resolution, driven by concerns over the broader implications of underfunding on transportation infrastructure. Conversely, there may be apprehensions about the potential bureaucratic hurdles in securing the necessary federal funding, reflecting a cautious optimism that the resolution will lead to tangible action.
Contention
Notable points of contention revolve around the urgency conveyed in the resolution regarding federal action. While most stakeholders agree on the necessity of dredging, the timing and allocation of funds can be contentious, with fears that delays could lead to severe economic repercussions. Moreover, the reliance on federal funding may provoke debates regarding state versus federal responsibilities for infrastructure maintenance, highlighting a need for collaborative governance in tackling such pressing issues.
Memorializes congress to provide adequate funding to the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the completion of deepening the Mississippi River Ship Channel to fifty feet
Memorializes Congress to provide adequate funding to the United States Army Corps of Engineers for the completion of deepening the Mississippi River Ship Channel to fifty feet.
Requests the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to consider additional water diversion projects in addition to the Bonnet Carre' and Morganza Spillways to address high water issues on the Mississippi River.
Memorializes the U.S. Congress to support the Water Resources Development Act of 2022, including the amendment to review recreational hazards at the banks of the Mississippi River in Louisiana
Requests the United State Army Corps of Engineers and the United States Coast Guard to gather information learned during the 2011 Mississippi River floods and update plans for future flooding conditions on the river.
Urge and request the U.S. Corps of Engineers to examine their protocols for management of the water in the Mississippi River to determine if those protocols are appropriate for water management of the river under current conditions