River Flooding Impact

Mississippi River flooding will have an impact on the Red River, too.Though the Mississippi River is at record-breaking levels, the Red River never came anywhere near flood stage. However, high water on the Mississippi is expected to have an impact on Red River navigation. The Red River Valley Association says the main access point from the Red River to the Mississippi River system is the Old River Lock. It's expected to close today and remain closed for at least two weeks. The Red's alternate route on the Atchafalaya River and Port Allen Lock is expected to close by Saturday. So that will cut off navigation from the Red to either of those other rivers. And the Red River Valley Association says when the water goes down, Congress and the Administration are going to have to consider funding the dredging that will be required to bring all of the waterways back to their operational depths.