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A Minnesota nonprofit that works with the National Park Service to maintain and improve the Mississippi River corridor in the Twin Cities is asking for help from the public after the Trump administration froze federal funding already allocated to the group.

Ellen Reed, executive director Mississippi Park Connection, said her organization already completed about $200,000 of a more than $2.5 million, four-year project funded by the Inflation Reduction Act and the Infrastructure bill.

Reed said despite court orders directing the White House to release the funding allocated by Congress, her group still can’t access that money.

“What is so frustrating is that we’ve completed the work and we’ve done so in good faith, and we are no longer able to be reimbursed for those funds,” said Reed.

Reed is asking for donations from the public to help offset the loss of federal funding.

She’s also asking people to contact members of Congress to express their opposition to the Trump administration’s move.

“To say the least, this has been a confusing and scary time and we know that we are not alone in feeling the effects of this sudden and unexpected funding freeze,” Reed said.

Reed said she doesn’t know what’s next, but that she fears for the future of all kinds of conservation effort is under threat.

“If the workforce is permanently reduced, natural and cultural resource protection, youth education, public programs, visitor services, and ranger-led programs may be eliminated without any intention of their return,” Reed said.

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Mississippi Park Connection said funds for restoration work that has not yet been completed are frozen, as are funds for congressionally funded work that has already been completed.

Nonprofit working on Mississippi River project loses federal funding

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