Governor Tate Reeves issued the following statement.
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 that 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 percent federal and 25 percent 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 Tate 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.”
Once constructed, the channel will be deepened from 36 feet to 46 feet and widened from 300 feet to 350 feet. These improvements will let the Port welcome larger modern vessels, move cargo more efficiently and compete for new business across the Gulf.
Port CEO and Executive Director Jon Nass emphasized the project's broad significance for the state. "This milestone reflects years of collaboration, and it positions the Port of Gulfport for long-term competitiveness, stronger supply chain resilience, and expanded economic opportunity across Mississippi," Nass said. "Important steps remain, but we are committed to seeing this project through to construction."
Nass extended particular recognition to Mississippi's state leadership and congressional delegation for their sustained advocacy throughout the study process.
"Governor Reeves, Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith and Congressman Ezell were indispensable partners in reaching this milestone," Nass said. "Their commitment to Mississippi's maritime economy made this possible, and we look forward to their continued partnership as we advance toward construction."
“The Port of Gulfport is one of Mississippi’s most important economic assets, and today represents another important step forward for our state,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork. “With this approval, Mississippi is better positioned to serve existing port customers, attract new business, and move products more efficiently through one of the Gulf Coast’s key gateways. MDA is proud to support projects that make Mississippi more connected and better positioned for long-term economic growth.”
About the Port of Gulfport: The Port of Gulfport is a key gateway for north-south container trade and breakbulk cargo, with on-dock Class I rail service via the CN and CPKC. As a designated Strategic Seaport, the Port also has a direct rail connection to Camp Shelby and an active relationship with the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) stationed locally. Gulfport is a key port for refrigerated cargo and maintains 1,400 refrigerated container plugs to support perishable imports and exports. Gulfport is also a hub for Mississippi’s growing Blue Economy, housing research, innovation and manufacturing facilities that advance uncrewed maritime systems and other blue technologies.
21 comments:
Much needed. MS lost the banana business to NOLA years ago due to this issue.
The study for this moved forward when
Biden was in office. FY 2023 H B. 2617
Wicker and Thompson voted for it and
Hyde Smith voted against it. The bill
included feasibility work for this.
Maybe cruise ships can sail from there now.
The Gulf Coast is amid a huge Trump boom.
The banana business never totally left the State Port in Gulfport. Dole has utilized Gulfport continuously since 1965. Chiquita did relocate from Gulfport to New Orleans in May of 2014, but Chiquita returned to Gulfport in July of 2016 because the New Orleans port operation was a disaster for them. Both Chiquita & Dole have long term contracts (20 plus years) with The Port of Mississippi in Gulfport.
It took way, way too long but I’m glad we got it done. This is a huge win for the state. Just remember: Mobile and NOLA are competitors and should be treated as such.
How does spending like this support making our own bananas in the USA?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dAfqgA7aoKA&t=272s
The MS and AL coasts are going to boom (if we are still here) in the next decade. As NOLA sinks and fears of the river changing course increase, cities like Gulfport Biloxi and Pascagoula will benefit. Mobile is already on the come up. Gulfport’s downtown renaissance is very exciting to see. Maybe Mississippi will have a booming city after all.
It would be great if the state would invest in doubling the size of the barrier islands that are currently washing away. They protect the coast and provide incredible beaches and wildlife habitat only accessible by boat. Ship and Horn Islands are absolute gems. Major tourism opportunities there.
Now, imagine for a second if our worthless US Senators pushed president Trump to relocate the Space Force Headquarters to Hancock County at the Stennis Space Center. Talk about a boost for the coast. Instead it goes to Huntsville, which already has plenty of Gov’t pork to kickstart the economy. Please do not re-elect Roger Wicker if he runs again.
@2:48 Camille cut on ship was closed up a couple years ago, which was a massive undertaking. East ship was all but gone and it’s thriving now. There are always continuous efforts to shore up the west tip so the fort doesn’t wash away. The west tip of horn is growing not shrinking. Round island was filled back in a couple years ago, it was all but gone, now it’s roughly triple the size of what was left when the project started
Strong 'end dependence on gubmint pork barrel spending' energy with this.
Very strong!
Thanks Obama
" Maybe cruise ships can sail from there now."
I think you're right !
It would be a perfect port for the Carnival Cruise Line!
Perhaps Carnival can start a two night cheap party cruise to the Chandeleur Islands.
After all ... Gulfport is on most of their clientele's itinerary from the start.
Personally, I would rather see bigger banana boats.
Maybe the dredged sand/mud can be put on the islands.
I wonder what Kelly "Dr. No" Williams will find to oppose this project.
End the Federal Reserve....sell gold....buy Fartcoin!
Along with this project that will expand business at the port, the proposed direct connected highway from I-10 to HW 90 at the port is needed. HW49 cannot take on the additional traffic.
You are mucho wrong about Kelly. The river issue is huge and he is the main voice in the wilderness. He (and Wyatt) saved MS Power customers 6Billion bones. The issue of the data centers is important and we all know to look at the power bills coming. I figure Kelly (and Wyatt) have done more public service to us than anyone. So there!
You are correct.
You are wrong about Kelly. The river issue is critical and he is the main warning. The Kemper "No" saved MS Power ratepayers over $6 Billon
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