(State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission Great River Road National Scenic Byway 1/18/2019

Agenda History of the National MRPC Current Vision, Mission, Objectives and Goals of the National MRPC (State) Commission History Members Structure Goals Accomplishments Work Plan Significant sites 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

History of the MRPC Created in 1938 10 individual state commissions Arkansas Minnesota Iowa Missouri Illinois Mississippi Kentucky Tennessee Louisiana Wisconsin 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

History of the MRPC Mission in 1938 Facilitate the development of highways and amenities along the byway called the “Great River Road.” Promote tourism along the Mississippi River. 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

History of the MRPC The MRPC was developed to create a parkway on both sides of the river from Lake Itasca to the Gulf of Mexico. Planning, design and construction of the Great River Road was put on hold until after World War II. In 1949, Congress authorized a study of the Great River Road. Funds were allocated to each state based on several factors including the amount of road in each state. 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

History of the MRPC 1973 - the Federal Highway Act authorized funding to develop a single national route on one side of the river, alternating between the east and west sides of the river. 1985 – The commission began working with the 10 state tourism offices to launch an international marketing program. This would develop into Mississippi River Country, USA. 1986 - categorical funds expired. The Great River Road competed with all other highway projects for funds. ISTEA and TEA-21 - Scenic Byways 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

National MRPC Structure Marketing Committee Environment, Recreation & Agriculture Committee Cultural & Heritage Committee Board of Directors Transportation Committee Mississippi River Country Finance & Fundraising Committee Bylaws Committee Standing Committees: - Nominations - Awards - Resolutions Executive Committee Technical Committees 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Current Vision, Mission and Objectives To improve the quality of life for our residents and visitors. Objectives To develop and enhance the Great River Road and its amenities. To promote the Mississippi River Valley and the Great River Road. 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Current Goals Increase and maintain the investment in the Great River Road and its amenities each year. Achieve a National Scenic Byway designation for all ten states of the Great River Road. Maintain and/or increase the awareness and visitation of the Mississippi River Valley and the Great River Road. 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Great River Road Interpretive Plan and Centers The MRPC developed a Great River Road Interpretive Plan and Tool Kit, which is used by the MRPC, communities and attractions along the river to effectively interpret the many stories told along the river. Currently there are 63 Interpretive Centers along the Great River Road. These centers were selected by the Culture and Heritage Committee as sites significant in interpreting important aspects of the river and Great River Road. 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

Legislative Objectives Secure State and National Scenic Byway designation for all segments of the Great River Road Develop and implement an education and information program for elected and appointed officials along the Great River Road Secure funding for implementing the Great River Road Interpretive Plan. $2.5 million Maintain a merit based Scenic Byways program as part of the Transportation reauthorization legislation being developed federally 1/18/2019 (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission