In the atricle "Low water levels on Mississippi threatens shipping" they are talking about how the water levels are so low it is impossible to get grain and other materials across sea to where they need to go. They were also saying that if they wait too long that  economic losses will sky rocket into the billions. which may cause higher prices of goods down the road. I personally think this a serious situation because a lot of things are made of and have grain in them. I feel they need to find another way to get the goods across sea, even though they may fix the problem temporarily because this problem  may occur again in the future. Too many people depend on this supply of grain for them to not be taking action as soon as possible.