Lower Mississippi RIVER COMPANION READER
Here are a handful of pertinent news stories and resources on the Lower Mississippi. Don't feel compelled to read all (or any!) of them in advance of the institute, but do feel free to peruse them at your leisure. This page will remain active after the institute is over, so you'll be able to return to it in the future.
Infrastructure & Shipping
Coastal Authority hears pros -- and cons -- of Mid-Barataria Sediment Diversion
Plaquemines oil terminal could reduce land-building sediment for Mid-Barataria diversion
Plaquemines wants sediment diversion damages guaranteed, asks for arbitration
$36 million Lost Lake marsh creation project completed: Gov. Edwards
After Drought, Reducing Water Flow Could Hurt Mississippi River Transport
Mississippi River deepening project closer to reality
Could Mississippi River change course? New research raises question, but Corps says plan working
Coastal Issues
Louisiana’s Disappearing Coast
16 ways people fought to save Louisiana's coast in 2018
State closes purchase of land for Isle de Jean Charles climate refugees
Resettling the First Climate Refugees
Louisiana Says Thousands Should Move From Vulnerable Coast, But Can't Pay Them
A Refrain As Louisiana's Coast Washes Away: We're 'Water People. We Can't Leave'
Left to Louisiana’s Tides, a Village Fights for Time
Suggested Further Reading
Rising Tide: The Great Mississippi Flood of 1927 and How It Changed America - John Barry
Bayou Farewell: The Rich Life and Tragic Death of Louisiana’s Cajun Coast - Mike Tidwell
Cairo, Illinois
There Was a Plan to Save This City From Flooding. But When the Rains Came, So Did Hesitance
Donald Trump Asked "What Do You Have to Lose?" This Town Found Out
Saving Cairo: A Once Thriving River Town Finds Itself On Life Support
Funding for port could bring economic growth to Cairo
Illinois Gov. Bruce Rauner releases $1 million for local riverport terminal
Pollution & development
Big river, deep trouble: Can the Mighty Mississippi’s crisis be averted?
public health & Environmental justice
Toxic tensions in the heart of 'Cancer Alley'
Cancer Alley: Big Industry, Big Problems
Toxic Battles: The Fight for Environmental Justice in Memphis
Flooding
What did we learn from the Great Flood of ‘93? Not much, say many
25 years later: Remembering the Great Flood of ‘93
The Great Flood of ‘93 could happen again, but scientists don’t agree on the odds
Mississippi Sues Federal Government over river flood
Why Mayors Are Rallying Around the Mississippi River