By Magnolia Mornings, Magnolia Tribune
Port of Gulfport (from port website)
Governor Tate Reeves’ office announced Tuesday that the Port of Gulfport has reached a major milestone in its drive to deepen and widen the federal channel serving Mississippi’s state port, a step Reeves’ office said positions the Port for years of growth and clears the project for inclusion in this year’s Water Resources Development Act.
Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr., the 56th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has signed the Chief’s Report recommending the project for congressional authorization. The Water Resources Development Act is the legislation through which Congress authorizes major water resources projects nationwide.
Following authorization, the next step will be securing funding for the project. The project carries an estimated cost of $548 million, funded through a 75% federal and 25% state-local cost share. It marks the next chapter in a sustained investment in the Port of Gulfport, building on the momentum of recent years to position Mississippi’s state port for long-term growth.
“This is a major win for Mississippi and our Gulf Coast,” said Governor Reeves. “Mississippi has worked for nearly two decades to move this project forward, and this approval marks an important milestone in the process. Deepening the Port of Gulfport to 46 feet means bigger ships, more cargo, and a wider array of logistics opportunities flowing through Mississippi. This expanded gateway for commerce will continue our state’s historic momentum toward global leadership in economic development. Thank you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for helping us reach this critical step.”