USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -As the nation’s second-longest river, behind only the conjoining Missouri, the Mississippi provides drinking water for millions and supports a $12.6 billion shipping industry, with 35, 300 related jobs. It’s one of the greatest water highways on earth, carrying commerce and food for the world.

Detailed explanation-2: -The inland Mississippi River system plays a major role in transporting commodities; especially soybeans and corn. Approximately 60 percent of all grain inspected is exported through the Center Gulf, which consists of the U.S. Customs Districts of New Orleans, Louisiana and Mobile, Alabama.

Detailed explanation-3: -The Mississippi River basin produces 92% of the nation’s agricultural exports, 78% of the world’s exports in feed grains and soybeans, and most of the livestock produced nationally (NPS 2017). It is also a major recreational resource for boaters, hunters, anglers, and birdwatchers.

Detailed explanation-4: -Along with supporting local economies, the Mississippi River Watershed supports economic development across the nation through the export of water for such things as crops, meat, textiles, bottled water and beverages.