Legislators from the Mississippi River Corridor Gather to for Annual MRLC Forum

On September 26-28, state legislators from throughout the Mississippi River region gathered in Minneapolis, Minnesota for the 2024 Mississippi River Legislative Caucus Annual Forum. The event brought together 15 legislators from seven of the 10 river states – Minnesota, Wisconsin, Illinois, Missouri, Tennessee, Mississippi and Louisiana.

The forum focused on topics including sustainable agriculture, green infrastructure and preparing urban areas for flooding, navigating the recent Supreme Court decisions, Clean Water State Revolving Fund and STORM Act funding for states, and opportunities for Mississippi River Agreements.

The event kicked off with an opening reception at Pryes Brewing.

Day One

The MRLC Forum kicked off with reflections from the past year on successful legislation that was passed in states throughout the river corridor.

After that, the first panel of the day was focused on sustainable agriculture and alternative crops. First Peter LaFontaine, the Agricultural Policy Manager for Friends of the Mississippi River spoke on the need for new and emergent crops to build market-based approaches to sustainable agricultural needs. Then Erin McKee, the Community Food Systems Program Manager for the Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy spoke on how state policies can be used to support the next generation of small-scale and diverse farmers.

Attendees then transitioned to a discussion around green infrastructure and the benefits it can bring, especially to urban areas, working to reduce flooding and runoff. First Janet Pritchard, the Director of Water Infrastructure Policy at the Environmental Policy Innovation Center (EPIC) spoke on how states can finance green infrastructure using the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF). Afterwards Joey Algier, the Narrative Strategy and Education Manager for the Water Collaborative of Greater New Orleans spoke on the importance of centering communities in the decision-making process to develop storm water utilities.

After lunch, the Brian Vigue with the Great Lakes Audubon Society highlighted the impacts of the Sackett Supreme Court decision on states and provided examples of what states can do to better protect wetlands. An acre of wetlands can hold one million gallons of water so they serve both as an incredible ecosystem but also a major form of flood protection. Attendees then heard from Kathryn Hoffman the CEO of the Minnesota Center for Environmental Advocacy, who broke down what the Chevron Deference was and what it means now that the Supreme Court overturned it. 

Then Janet Pritchard from EPIC and David Pelikan the Climate Resilience Program Manager at the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership shared federal funding opportunities that are available to states such as the Clean Water State Revolving Funds and the STORM Act. Janet Pritchard walked legislators through how the State Revolving Funds operate and how states can access them. David Pelikan explained the specifics of the STORM Act, how it works, which states have already authorized access to it, and how other states can apply for it.

The day wrapped up with a presentation and discussion about the opportunities that exist for various Mississippi River agreements. Alexandra Campbell-Ferrari, CEO and co-founder of the Center for Water Security and Cooperation spoke on the possibility of creating an interstate Mississippi River Compact that would help states better manage the Mississippi River in a holistic manner. She shared a roadmap of how such an agreement could be developed and the role that state legislatures would play in its creation. 

Legislators enjoyed dinner at Owamni by the Sioux Chef, an Indigenous restaurant. They prioritize purchasing from Indigenous food producers and remove all colonial ingredients like wheat flour, cane sugar, and dairy. 

Day Two

The second day was spent out on the water, recreating along the River that we spent the previous day discussing how to protect. We were led by Wilderness Inquiry whose mission is to connect people of all ages, backgrounds, identities, and abilities through shared outdoor adventures so that all people can equitably experience the benefits of time spent in nature. Before getting on the water, there was a moderated panel discussion between Erika Rivers, the Executive Director of Wilderness Inquiry and Representative Sydney Jordan of Minnesota’s 60A District on the importance of access to the outdoors and how state legislatures can support access for all through key policies.  

Legislators then loaded onto two 10-person canoes and enjoyed a paddle down the river.

Thank you to all who attended and made the 2024 MRLC Forum a success!

Looking Ahead to the 2025 Legislative Session

As we look toward 2025 legislative sessions, MRLC staff are committed to providing the resources and capacity Mississippi River legislators need to address the issues facing the watershed. Through regional convenings such as the Annual Forum and our River Tours, in-state meetings, and policy updates, we are here to help. If you are interested in learning more about MRLC’s work or becoming a member, contact Chris Askew-Merwin.