(State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

1. (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission Great River Road National Scenic Byway

2. 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 Agenda (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

3. Created in 1938 10 individual state commissions History of the MRPC (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

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

5. 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. History of the MRPC (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

6. 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 History of the MRPC (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

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

8. Vision/Mission 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. Current Vision, Mission and Objectives (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

9. 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. Current Goals (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

10. 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. Great River Road Interpretive Plan and Centers (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission

11. 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 Legislative Objectives (State) Mississippi River Parkway Commission