MRRRI Act

The MRRRI Act establishes a federal initiative to protect and restore the ecological health of the Mississippi River Corridor, which flows through 10 states and supports over 55 million people. It creates a Mississippi River National Program Office within the Environmental Protection Agency to coordinate restoration efforts, develop actionable goals, and implement projects focused on water quality improvement, flood risk reduction, wildlife habitat restoration, invasive species prevention, and community resilience. The act requires at least 25% of funding to support projects addressing disproportionate effects on economically disadvantaged communities and communities of color, and mandates coordination with federal agencies, states, tribes, and local entities. It also establishes Mississippi River Corridor Research Centers to conduct scientific studies and develop a science plan to guide restoration efforts.