The Mississippi Valley Division’s boundaries straddle the world’s third largest river as it meanders from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. The Mississippi River watershed serves as a continental funnel that collects vast flows from 41% of the nation's interior, including 31 states, 2 Canadian provinces, 1.25 million square miles and more than 250 tributaries. As North America’s most important waterway, MVD's civil works along the Mississippi represent critical investments in our nation’s future. The division’s effectiveness in orchestrating the river’s immense power greatly benefits America’s economy, environment and defense. MVD’s borders encompass 370,000 square miles and portions of 12 states bordering the 2,348-mile river.