The Mississippi River watershed: State policy options for risk reduction and resilience

The report outlines how the 31‑state Mississippi River Basin is confronting rising risks from flooding, drought, extreme weather, nutrient pollution, and aging water infrastructure. Disaster risk reduction is woven throughout the report, with particular emphasis on watershed management, multi‑benefit flood mitigation, and climate‑related stressors. Developed through a bipartisan cohort of legislators from the 10 mainstem states (2024–2025), the report explains what challenges the basin faces, why coordinated action is needed, and how states are responding through legislation, data improvements, and cross‑jurisdictional partnerships. It serves policymakers, agencies, and regional stakeholders seeking a clear overview of current conditions, policy drivers, and opportunities to strengthen resilience across the basin.

The report recommends expanding interstate coordination, investing in Nature-based Solutions such as wetland restoration and floodplain reconnection, and improving data accessibility to support risk‑informed decision‑making. Lessons from case studies—including Cedar Rapids watershed planning and the Highland Bridge redevelopment—illustrate how integrated approaches can reduce flood risk while advancing economic and community goals. Additional solutions include establishing resilience offices, forming watershed councils, leveraging federal financing tools, and creating state‑level funding mechanisms for pre‑disaster mitigation. The report concludes that long‑term resilience in the Mississippi River Basin depends on sustained investment, cross‑sector collaboration, and governance structures that align ecological health with community and economic priorities.