MRPC budget snapshot; commission to seek proclamation for National Mississippi River Day and plan Drive the Great River Road month

The Minnesota Mississippi River Parkway Commission received a budget snapshot and discussed near‑term advocacy and promotional work, including a state proclamation for National Mississippi River Day and planning for Drive the Great River Road month.

Anne Lewis and LCC staff presented an initial biennial budget snapshot, noting the commission’s modest resources and a projected first‑year carryforward of roughly $12,000. Anne said professional and technical services lines include compensation for coordinator work and vendor services (website support), and she cited virtual meetings as a recurring savings that can free funds for other priorities. Diane (LCC staff) estimated national conference attendance costs at about $1,800 per person for the MRPC/National Scenic Byway Association joint meeting in West Memphis, Arkansas (Oct. 6–9).

Commission leadership discussed representation at national MRPC board meetings: Senator Housley remains the official state representative and commissioners volunteered alternates (Anne Lewis and Carl among those who offered standby representation). John Amethyst asked staff to pursue a short version of a National Mississippi River Day proclamation from the 1 Mississippi (national) template; David Kelleher and others outlined routes to obtain a gubernatorial proclamation and suggested the house and senate could consider resolutions as complementary actions.

David Kelleher also briefed the commission on planning for September’s Drive the Great River Road month and encouraged contributions to the national America 250 (semi‑quincentennial) list of 250 favorite river experiences. Commissioners volunteered to form working groups to craft itineraries, promotion plans and community outreach ahead of the September event.