摘要：The history and development of the lower Mississippi River Valley states has been closely linked to their relationships with rivers and water. The same will be true for their futures. Environmental, agricultural, energy, and transportation pressures are already forcing changes to the ways rivers and groundwater resources are viewed, managed,and used. Beyond that, growing populations in drier western states, drought cycles, and concerns over the effects of climate change are already spurring interest in diverting water from rivers, including the Mississippi. In short, there is a growing gap between where freshwater is and where it is wanted. Balancing the rights, duties, and needs of the various players is an increasingly high stakes game
