What is the Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC)?

The Mississippi River Parkway Commission (MRPC) is a multi-state organization which works collectively to preserve, promote, and enhance the scenic, historic, and recreational resources of the Mississippi River, to foster economic growth in the corridor, and to develop the national, scenic and historic parkway known as the Great River Road.

The ten states that border the Mississippi River comprise the MRPC. They include: Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi Missouri, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The MRPC is one of the only - and certainly the oldest - organizations whose work ties together all of the Mississippi River states.

Established in 1938 under the administration of Franklin D. Roosevelt, the National MRPC is the umbrella organization that coordinates multi-state programs on behalf of the member states. Each state has its own individual commission which is established by state statute or Governor's Executive Order. Membership consists of state legislators, state and local officials and general members appointed by the Governors or state agency directors of the individual state. Its Board of Directors includes the chairs of the individual state commissions. The National MRPC Chair is known as "The Pilot" and is elected by the general membership each year.

Historically, the MRPC has coordinated efforts on federal, state, and local levels to leverage millions of dollars for highway improvements, recreation trails, bikeways, scenic overlooks, and historic preservation. The MRPC also coordinates both domestic and international marketing for the river valley, and facilitates efforts to enhance economic development and resource awareness.

The work of the MRPC is accomplished through the following committees: Transportation, Marketing, Culture & Heritage, and Environment, Recreation & Agriculture. Participation in these committees is open to both MRPC members and technical advisors.

Also operating under the umbrella of the MRPC, is Mississippi River Country, U.S. A., a regional tourism organization comprised of the travel directors of the ten Mississippi River states. This program utilizes the worldwide awareness of the Mississippi River to promote travel to the river - and beyond its shores - to other exciting attractions throughout the river states region.

The National MRPC is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization. The general membership gathers twice each year at an Annual and Semi-Annual meeting. Individual state commissions meet quarterly or as their work plan dictates.