MRC to host inspection and public hearing Aug. 19 in Vicksburg

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Mississippi River Commission (MRC) will conduct its annual low water inspection trip aboard Motor Vessel Mississippi, Aug 17-21, 2026, continuing its tradition of engaging with communities along the river.

Throughout the inspection trip, the commission will observe river conditions and conduct public hearings at various locations along the Mississippi River. The hearings, which are held onboard the motor vessel at stops along the river, give residents, stakeholders, and local community members an opportunity to voice their views, share ideas about challenges facing the river system as well as engage with commission members.

The hearing dates, times and locations are as follows:

• Aug. 17                    9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.            Caruthersville, MO (City Front)
• Aug. 18                    9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.            Memphis, TN (Mud Island River Park Landing)
• Aug. 19                    2:00 p.m. –  5:30  p.m.            Vicksburg, MS. (City Front)
• Aug. 21                    9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.            Morgan City, LA (Port of Morgan City)

All hearings are free and open to the public. At each stop, the commission’s senior civilian will deliver a report on regional and national issues affecting the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ (USACE) programs and projects along the Mississippi River and its tributaries. Community members and interested parties are encouraged to speak on water resources infrastructure needs throughout the valley, including the Mississippi River and Tributaries (MR&T) project and other water resources challenges.

Information gathered during the trip helps inform the commission’s recommendations on navigation, flood risk management, ecosystem restoration, and other water resources initiatives that support economic vitality and the environmental health of the Mississippi River valley.

The annual inspection trip allows the commission to observe river conditions firsthand while strengthening partnerships with communities, industry, and government agencies that help shape the future of the river system.

Since its establishment in 1879, the Mississippi River Commission has worked to develop recommendations that support safe, reliable navigation, reduce flood risks, and promote responsible management of the Mississippi River and its tributaries.

Contact the MRC administrative officer at 601-634-5768 or email contact-MRC@usace.army.mil for more information.

Written testimony for the record will be accepted through Friday, Aug 21, at 5:00 p.m.