Page 39: of Marine News Magazine (November 2022)

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Coast Guard Cutter Chena provides aid to navigation on the Lower Mississippi

River on October 13, 2022.

The Coast Guard, U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers and industry partners are working together “We need rain” to ensure navigational

In August, the Mississippi River Commission (MRC) safety and minimize conducted its annual low-water inspection trip on the Riv- interruptions to the ? ow of commerce along the er, holding four public meetings in Tennessee, Mississippi

Mississippi River. and Louisiana. Charles Camillo is MRC’s Executive Direc- tor. He said these meetings have been held since 1882. The seven-member Commission was established in 1879. Its mission: “to develop plans to improve the condition of the

Mississippi River, foster navigation, promote commerce and prevent destructive ? oods.”

Camillo said about 200 people attended the low-wa- ter meetings this year, a number rebounding after CO-

VID. Most people attending represent groups linked to the river’s operations, such as ports and related as- sociations and businesses. About 70 people provided

U.S. Coast Guard testimony which is reviewed by the Commission and then presented to the Army Corps with advisories for follow up.

Regarding the drought and low water, Camillo com- mented that he would rather ? ght a ? ood than a drought since options are so limited. No one can control the weath- er, and he added that ports and waterway of? cials will con- tinue to do what they can, e.g., dredging, scouring and maintaining dikes.

Camillo said that many comments this year were “a thank you” to federal of? cials for supporting infrastructure money. Local of? cials noted that money for dredging al- lowed ports to stay open, despite low water challenges.

Lisa Parker is Director of Public Affairs, Mississippi Val- ley Division, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Parker said the Corps is con? dent it can maintain 9-foot navigation throughout the system. All Corps’ dredges are engaged and ready to respond, she said.

She noted that ? ood control projects on tributaries are proceeding with regular winter pool drawdowns. “This ? ow augmentation,” she said, “off of the Ohio and Mis- souri Rivers, along with other smaller tributaries, is help- ing the low ? ow situation on the lower Mississippi River at least through October.”

Still, the situation could worsen, and the Corps is con- sidering delaying some winter drawdowns for release if conditions become critical.

“The last time we experienced conditions like this was in 2012,” Parker said. “The bottom line is, we need rain.” www.marinelink.com MN 39|