|
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Representatives Marion Berry (D-AR) and Jo Ann Emerson (R-MO) held a hearing yesterday with the Mississippi River Caucus, focused on transportation and infrastructure, flood control and ensuring the Mississippi River is able to sustain commerce throughout the country. Representatives Berry and Emerson are Congressional co-chairs of the Mississippi River Caucus.
"The Mississippi River Caucus hearing raised important issues about the importance of developing and maintaining flood control infrastructure, promoting waterborne transportation, and protecting waterways," said Congressman Berry. "The flood control and navigation systems have allowed our country to become a strong economic leader and much of our region's economy is dependent on the efficiency and reliability of the river. It is imperative that we are able to support and maintain one of our country's greatest assets to commerce."
“The Mississippi River Caucus hearing was a productive discussion that makes clear the need to invest in transportation infrastructure along one of our nation’s greatest thoroughfares for commerce. Our manufacturing and agricultural sectors depend upon the Mississippi River for clean, low-cost transportation. We have to ensure that the long, productive relationship between the river and our economy continues and improves,” said U.S. Rep. Jo Ann Emerson.
“I’d like to thank Congressman Berry and Congresswoman Emerson for their continued support for the Mississippi River and Tributaries flood control project in the Recovery Act and in the Budget,” said Rob Rash, Chief Engineer for the St. Francis Levee District. “We appreciate their knowledge of flood control, and their understanding of the protection these levees provide to those living in the Delta. We hope this hearing will move us even closer to addressing concerns regarding levee recertification and unwarranted FEMA discussion regarding mandatory flood insurance requirements.”
The Mississippi River Caucus boasts 23 members from the ten states bordering the Mississippi River. The organization serves as an advocacy group to promote safe, efficient water-born transportation and reliable flood control systems, ensuring the communities along the river remain safe and the harbors are able to support strong commerce.
|
|
