VICKSBURG, Mississippi, Feb. 8 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Vicksburg District issued the following news release: Lake levels at Arkabutla Dam have dropped below 210' which greatly decreases the potential of a breach situation. Lake levels at Arkabutla Dam, located in DeSoto and Tate Counties in Northwest Mississippi, can fluctuate quickly especially during the rainy season. Last week, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District increased the potential breach emergency status at  more

MEMPHIS, Tennessee, Feb. 9 -- The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers-Memphis District issued the following news release: The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will host public scoping meetings for the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Management Study (LMR Comp) at venues throughout the study area between Feb. 27 and March 11. The meetings will consist of a remote overview presentation and followed by an on-site open house to meet with and collect input from the public. The Memphis District will host  more

PORT OF DUBUQUE, Iowa, Feb. 9 -- The National Mississippi River Museum and Aquarium issued the following news: The National Mississippi River Museum & Aquarium has partnered with RoundlyX for a digitally-based way to financially support the organization. A spare change roundup app, RoundlyX rounds up the spare change amount from everyday purchases on a linked debit card and donates the rounded-up amount to the River Museum. "We truly mean it when we say every donation matters, not matter the a  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- The National Transportation Safety Board issued the following news release on Feb. 8, 2024: A towing vessel pilot incorrectly recalling the agreed-upon passing arrangement led to tows colliding last year in the Mississippi River, the National Transportation Safety Board said Thursday. According to the Inland Navigation Rules, when two vessels are meeting or crossing, each vessel shall signal its maneuvering intentions by using the vessel's whistle or VHF radio. About 20 m  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8 -- Rep. Betty McCollum, D-Minnesota, issued the following statement on Feb. 7, 2024: Congresswoman Betty McCollum (DFL-Minn.) and Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) have introduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act (MRRRI) in the U.S. House and the U.S. Senate , legislation to establish a non-regulatory initiative that will coordinate restoration and resilience opportunities up and down the Mississippi River corridor. MRRRI is modeled around the suc  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7 -- Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-Wisconsin, issued the following news release: Senator Tammy Baldwin (D-WI) and Congresswoman Betty McCollum (D-MN-04) introduced the Mississippi River Restoration and Resilience Initiative Act (MRRRI), legislation to establish an initiative to restore and protect the Mississippi River corridor. The legislation creates a non-regulatory and collaborative initiative to coordinate efforts and invest in building resilience to increased flooding and storms,  more

WASHINGTON, Feb. 9 -- The Senate Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee issued the following testimony by Michael Hecht, president and CEO of Greater New Orleans Inc., involving a hybrid hearing on Jan. 25, 2024, entitled "Reauthorization of the National Flood Insurance Program: Local Perspectives on Challenges and Solutions": * * * Good morning, Chairman Brown, Ranking Member Scott, and Members of the Committee. I am honored to speak to you today about reauthorizing and reforming the Na  more