In recognition of the Mississippi River's importance to the nation, Congress passed legislation in 1990 that established the Mississippi River Corridor Study Commission. Congress directed the commission to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of designating the river as a national heritage corridor. Congress also charged the commission with recommending methods for preserving and enhancing the unique natural, recreational, scenic, cultural, scientific, and economic resources of the corridor.

In recognition of the Mississippi River's importance to the nation, Congress passed legislation in 1990 that established the Mississippi River Corridor Study Commission. Congress directed the commission to undertake a study to determine the feasibility of designating the river as a national heritage corridor. Congress also charged the commission with recommending methods for preserving and enhancing the unique natural, recreational, scenic, cultural, scientific, and economic resources of the corridor.