However, 72 miles of it have been trimmed off in re-channeling its streambedmainly for the many hydroelectric power plants in the region so that it is now sometimes referred as second to the Mississippi in terms of length. If the Jefferson were included in the Missouri length, it would technically still be considered the longest river by experts of the United States Geological Survey.
On the other hand, 72 miles of it have been shortened primarily for the numerous hydroelectric power plants in the region, causing it to sometimes be regarded as second to the Mississippi in terms of length. If the Jefferson were included in the Missouri length, it would still be considered the longest river by experts from the United States Geological Survey.