Mississippi River named America's most endangered due to policy threats

The Mississippi River has been named America's most endangered river for 2025 by the environmental group American Rivers, largely due to proposed cuts and potential elimination of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Flood Insurance Program by the Trump administration. American Rivers warns that these federal programs are vital for managing flood risks, supporting disaster preparedness, and helping communities recover from increasingly frequent and severe floods that threaten water supplies, agriculture, and transportation along the river. The advocacy group emphasizes that the Mississippi River is essential for drinking water, food production, commerce, and habitat for millions, serving over 20 million people and operating as a $400 billion shipping corridor. Local leaders and riverfront cities are already preparing for potential flood emergencies, coordinating with federal agencies as the fate of FEMA remains uncertain. The group calls for the modernization and continued support of FEMA to safeguard communities and the river's health, stressing the risks posed by policy uncertainty and federal agency rollbacks. Without strong federal leadership and investment, the safety and economic stability of millions who depend on the river could be jeopardized.