Mississippi River Coordinating Council

"The Mississippi River is not only a tremendous economic and recreational asset, but it is crucial to our state and country's identity. The Mississippi River Coordinating Council will work with the river's stakeholders to develop solutions to protect the health and viability of this national treasure."

- Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn

A new initiative by Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn has resulted in the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council. Modeled after the successful Illinois River Coordinating Council (IRCC), the Mississippi River Coordinating Council (MRCC) will bring together citizens, river organizations, and state and federal agencies to coordinate and implement policies on the intertwined environmental and economic health of the Mississippi River and its tributaries within the State of Illinois.

Citizen input and involvement is highly encouraged and necessary for the success of the IRCC and the creation of the Mississippi River Coordinating Council.  One of the consistently dynamic portions of each quarterly meeting of the IRCC is the public comment section.

Members of the public have brought items to the attention of the IRCC, which resulted in victories for the Illinois River, and agenda items have sparked the creation of new programs or activities to benefit the watershed.

This involvement and interaction between state and federal agencies and members of the public will be a hallmark of the new Mississippi River Coordinating Council.  Meetings will begin after January 1, 2007.

In setting out to create the MRCC, Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn asks for your ideas, comments, and concerns, and encourages you to participate in our on-line survey.

We look forward to your participation and involvement in the months ahead

View a map of the Mississippi River Tributary System here

The Mississippi River Coordinating Council also includes the Cache River.  One of the man-made outlets of the Cache River is the Mississippi River, and will be included in the Council's consideration.  For a map of the Cache River, please click here.