---
kind: "section"
citation: "16 U.S.C. § 460zz–2"
title: "16"
title_heading: "Conservation"
number: "460zz–2"
heading: "Mississippi River Coordinating Commission"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/16/460zz-2"
units:
  - "Chapter 1 — National Parks, Military Parks, Monuments, and Seashores"
  - "Subchapter CXI — Mississippi National River and Recreation Area"
  - "Part A — Mississippi National River and Recreation Area"
---

# §460zz–2. Mississippi River Coordinating Commission

- (a) **Establishment—** There is hereby established a Mississippi River Coordinating [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) whose purpose shall be to assist Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and local authorities in the development and implementation of an integrated resource [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) for those lands and waters as specified in [section 460zz–1 of this title](/usc/16/460zz–1.md). The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall consist of the following 22 members appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior:
  - (1) The Director of the National [Park](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) Service, or his designee.
  - (2) The Chief of the Corps of Engineers, or his designee.
  - (3) The Director of the [Fish and Wildlife](/usc/16/3102.md?p=17) Service, or his designee.
  - (4) Three individuals, from recommendations by the Governor of Minnesota, to represent the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, Department of Transportation, and Minnesota Environmental Quality Board.
  - (5) One individual, to represent the Minnesota Historical Society.
  - (6) One individual, to represent the Metropolitan Council of the Twin Cities [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (7) Four elected officials, to represent the cities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.
  - (8) Four elected officials, from recommendations by the Governor of Minnesota, to represent the interests of the other affected municipalities and [counties](/usc/16/544.md?p=d).
  - (9) One individual, to represent the Metropolitan [Parks](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-3) and [Open Spaces](/usc/16/544.md?p=l) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c).
  - (10) One individual, from recommendations by the Governor of Minnesota, to represent the interests of commercial navigation.
  - (11) Four individuals, from recommendations by the Governor of Minnesota, to be chosen from the general public.
- (b) **Terms—**
  - (1) Except as provided in paragraphs [(2)](#b-2) and [(3)](#b-3), members (other than ex officio members) shall be appointed for terms of three years.
  - (2) Of the members first appointed—
    - (A) Under [paragraph (4)](#a-4) of subsection (a):
      - (i) One shall be appointed for a term of one year.
      - (ii) One shall be appointed for a term of two years.
    - (B) Under paragraphs [(7)](#a-7) and [(8)](#a-8) of subsection (a), one shall be appointed for a term of one year.
    - (C) Under [paragraph (11)](#a-11) of subsection (a):
      - (i) One shall be appointed for a term of one year.
      - (ii) One shall be appointed for a term of two years.
      - (iii) One shall be appointed for a term of four years.
  - (3) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring before the expiration of the term for which his predecessor was appointed shall be appointed only for the remainder of such term. A member may serve after the expiration of his term until his successor has taken office.
- (c) **Compensation—** Members of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall serve without pay. While away from their homes or regular places of business in the performance of services for the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), members of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall be allowed travel expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsistence, in the same manner as [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) employed intermittently in Government service are allowed expenses under [section 5703 of title 5](/usc/5/5703.md).
- (d) **Chairperson—** The Chairperson of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall be appointed by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) from among the members of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) nominated by the Governor of Minnesota and shall serve for a term of three years.
- (e) **Quorum—** Twelve members of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall constitute a quorum.
- (f) **Meetings—** The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall meet at the call of the Chairman[^1] or a majority of its members.
- (g) **Development of policies and programs—** As a coordinator and advisory organization, the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall assist the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Minnesota and local [units](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) of government, endeavoring to use existing Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), regional, and local plans and programs where consistent with the intent and goals of this part, in developing the following:
  - (1) Policies and programs for the preservation and enhancement of the environmental values of the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (2) Policies and programs for enhanced public outdoor recreation opportunities in the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (3) Policies and programs for the conservation and protection of the scenic, historical, cultural, natural and scientific values of the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (4) Policies and programs for the commercial utilization of the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) and its related natural resources, consistent with the protection of the values for which the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) is established as the Mississippi National River and Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (h) **Staff—** The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall provide the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) with such staff and technical assistance as the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), after consultation with the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), considers appropriate to enable the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) to carry out its duties. Upon request of the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1), any Federal agency may provide information, personnel, property, and services on a reimbursable basis, to the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) to assist in carrying out its duties under this part. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) may accept the services of personnel detailed from the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Minnesota or any political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) of the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and may reimburse the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) or such political [subdivision](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15) for such services. The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) may procure temporary and intermittent services under [section 3109(b) of title 5](/usc/5/3109.md?p=b).
- (i) **Plan—** Within 3 years after appointment of the full membership of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c), the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall submit to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the Governor of Minnesota a comprehensive plan for land and water use measures for the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) to be developed and implemented by the responsible Federal agencies, the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) of Minnesota, and local political [subdivisions](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=15). The plan shall endeavor to use existing Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), regional, and local plans and where consistent with the intent and goals of this part shall coordinate those plans to present a unified comprehensive plan for the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A). The plan shall include but not be limited to each of the following:
  - (1) A program for management of existing and future land and water use which—
    - (A) considers and details the application of a variety of land and water protection and management techniques;
    - (B) includes a policy statement for the use of Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and local regulatory responsibilities to manage land and water resources in a manner consistent with the purposes of this part; and
    - (C) recognizes existing economic activities within the [area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A)[^2] and provides for the management of such activities, including barge transportation and fleeting and those indigenous industries and commercial and [residential developments](/usc/16/544.md?p=n) which are consistent with the findings and purposes of this part.
  - (2) A program providing for coordinated implementation and administration of the plan with proposed assignment of responsibilities to the appropriate governmental [unit](/usc/16/430f–7.md?p=4) at the Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), regional and local levels, including each of the following:
    - (A) Ways in which local, regional, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and Federal policies and permits may better be coordinated to the goals and policies of this part.
    - (B) A financial plan to provide and support the public improvements and services recommended in the plan; and a mechanism for coordinating local, regional, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and Federal planning to promote the purposes of this part.
    - (C) How the goals and policies of the [management plan](/usc/16/544.md?p=k) will be compatible with the existing channel maintenance program on the Mississippi River, and the existing Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), regional, and local programs and goals on the Minnesota and Saint Croix Rivers.
    - (D) The provisions of the Clean Water Act [[33 U.S.C. 1251](/usc/33/1251.md) et seq.] and the Safe Drinking Water Act (title XIV of the Public Health Service Act) [[42 U.S.C. 300f](/usc/42/300f.md) et seq.] which pertain to the surface waters of the Mississippi National River and Recreation [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (3) A coordination and consistency component which details the ways in which local, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and Federal programs and policies may best be coordinated to promote the purposes of this part.
  - (4) A program for the coordination and consolidation, to the extent feasible, of permits that may be required by Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and local agencies having jurisdiction over land and waters within the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
- (j) **Development of plan—**
  - (1) In developing the plan the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall consult on a regular basis with appropriate officials of any local government or Federal or [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) agency which has jurisdiction over lands and waters within the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A).
  - (2) In developing the plan the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall consult with interested conservation, business, professional and citizen organizations.
  - (3) In developing the plan the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall conduct public hearings within the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A), and at such other places as may be appropriate, for the purposes of providing interested [persons](/usc/16/450rr–1.md?p=b) with the opportunity to testify with respect to matters to be addressed by the plan.
- (k) **Approval of plan—** The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall submit the plan to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the Governor of Minnesota, for their review. The Governor shall act on the plan within 90 days and shall submit the plan to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) along with any recommendations. The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall approve or disapprove the plan within 90 days. In reviewing the plan the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) shall consider each of the following:
  - (1) The adequacy of public participation.
  - (2) Assurances of plan implementation from [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) and local officials.
  - (3) The adequacy of regulatory and financial tools that are in place to implement the plan.
  - (4) Plan provisions for continuing oversight of the plan implementation by the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the Governor of Minnesota.

  If the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) disapproves the plan, he shall, within 60 days after the date of such disapproval advise the Governor and [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) in writing of the reasons therefor, together with his recommendations for revision. The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall within 90 days of receipt of such notice of disapproval revise and resubmit the plan to the Governor for his review. Following his review, the Governor shall submit the revised plan, together with any recommendations he may have, to the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) who shall approve or disapprove the revision within 60 days.

- (l) **Interim program—** Prior to the adoption of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c)’s plan, the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall monitor all land and water use activities within the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) to ensure that said activities are in keeping with the purposes of this part, and shall advise and cooperate with the appropriate Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and local governmental entities to minimize adverse impacts on the values for which the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A) is established.
- (m) **Commission review—** The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall assist the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) and the Governor of Minnesota in reviewing and monitoring the implementation of the plan by Federal, [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a), and local governmental agencies having jurisdiction in the [Area](/usc/16/539m–1.md?p=1-A). The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) may, after providing, for public comment and subject to the review and approval, as set forth in [subsection (k)](#k), modify said plan, if the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) determines that such modification is necessary to further the purposes of this part.
- (n) **Termination of Commission—** The [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) shall terminate on the date 10 years after November 18, 1988. Following termination of the [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) the [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) is authorized to establish a [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c) which shall exercise the functions and authorities described in [subsection (m)](#m). The [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Interior and the [Secretary](/usc/16/410r–5.md?p=c-1) of the Army are authorized and directed to participate as members of such [State](/usc/16/590q.md?p=a) [Commission](/usc/16/544.md?p=c).

## Footnotes

[^1]: So in original. Probably should be “Chairperson”.
[^2]: So in original. Probably should be capitalized.

## Source credit

(Pub. L. 100–696, title VII, § 703, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4600; Pub. L. 101–40, § 4(2), June 20, 1989, 103 Stat. 82; Pub. L. 102–525, title III, § 302, Oct. 26, 1992, 106 Stat. 3441.)

## Notes

### Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Clean Water Act, referred to in subsec. (i)(2)(D), is act June 30, 1948, ch. 758, as amended generally by Pub. L. 92–500, § 2, Oct. 18, 1972, 86 Stat. 816, also known as the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, which is classified generally to chapter 26 (§ 1251 et seq.) of Title 33, Navigation and Navigable Waters. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 1251 of Title 33 and Tables.

The Safe Drinking Water Act, referred to in subsec. (i)(2)(D), is title XIV of act July 1, 1944, as added Pub. L. 93–523, § 2(a), Dec. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 1660, which is classified generally to subchapter XII (§ 300f et seq.) of chapter 6A of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 201 of Title 42 and Tables.

### Amendments

1992—Subsec. (i). Pub. L. 102–525 substituted “3 years after appointment of the full membership of the Commission” for “3 years after November 18, 1988”.

1989—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 101–40 substituted “and shall serve” for “to serve”.