After 16 years and $70 million of study, the Corps of Engineers is about to release a proposal for speeding navigation and restoring natural habitats along the upper Mississippi River.
In May, the Corps will issue a draft report with a proposal for the "upper Miss" and Illinois Rivers that could cost $7.7 billion over 50 years. Up to $2.5 billion would go for lock and dam expansions and $5.2 billion for environmental restoration. "The preferred alternative is one that we think best serves the public and is fiscally responsible," says Lt. Gen. Robert Flowers, chief of engineers.