River mayors’ meeting to launch new initiative

MISSISSIPPI RIVER — Several mayors of cities along the Mississippi River will gather in St. Louis this week to discuss ways to make the mighty waterway more sustainable.

Thursday’s gathering comes amid one of the worst droughts in recent memory. Low water on the Mississippi continues to affect river traffic and recreation.

The meeting is the first for the Mississippi River Cities & Towns Initiative. Member mayors hope to engage state and federal officials in efforts to assure the long-term well-being of the river and the communities that line it.

Participants will include the mayors of more than a dozen cities and towns, including St. Louis; St. Cloud, Minn.; Memphis, Tenn.; and, Vicksburg.