1. a) Define commerce.
b) How is the Mississippi River used for commerce?  Be specific.

2. Why did the U.S. Coast Guard close a 15 mile stretch of the Mississippi River to barge traffic for most of Tuesday?

3. After re-opening the river, what requirements did officials place on barges traveling on the river? Why did they do this?

4. a) How is the closure and following speed restrictions affecting commerce in the U.S.?
b) What effect did the high water have on freight terminals in Louisiana?

5. a) What is the population of the cities of Baton Rouge and New Orleans?
b) Watch the news video under "Resources" below.  Do you support the Army Corps of Engineers decision to force the flooding into rural areas in order to save highly populated/industrial areas?