"The Mississippi River basin has gotten a report card from a group that monitors watershed health and economic impact — and the grade is D+.
The organization, America's Watershed Initiative, cited the poor condition of infrastructure such as locks and dams, and a lack of funding that could lead to water security issues.
The Mississippi River watershed is the fourth-largest in the world, according to the group. It is made up of five river basins that flow across 31 states. It falls short in its goal of serving as the nation's most valuable water passage, according to the report, which notes that the watershed transports $54 billion of agricultural products annually."
Brakkton Booker reports for NPR October 14, 2015.
Source: NPR, 10/15/2015
