The Port of Gulfport cleared a major hurdle Tuesday in its effort to deepen and widen its shipping channel, bringing the long-awaited project one step closer to congressional approval and eventual construction.
Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr., chief of engineers for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, signed a report recommending the project for authorization through the Water Resources Development Act, the legislation Congress uses to approve major water infrastructure projects nationwide.
The recommendation positions the project for consideration in this year’s Water Resources Development Act and marks a significant step forward for a proposal Mississippi leaders have pursued for nearly two decades. If authorized, the next challenge will be securing funding for the estimated $548 million project. Costs would be split through a 75% federal and 25% state-local partnership.
“This is a major win for Mississippi and our Gulf Coast,” Gov. Tate Reeves said. “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,” Reeves continued. “This expanded gateway for commerce will continue our state’s historic momentum toward global leadership in economic development.”
The project would deepen the federal channel serving the Port of Gulfport to 46 feet – 10 feet deeper than it currently is at 36 feet. It would also widen it from 300 feet to 350 feet.
Port officials say the improvements would allow larger modern vessels to access the port, increase cargo capacity, and improve efficiency.
“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,” Port of Gulfport CEO and executive director Jon Nass said. “Important steps remain, but we are committed to seeing this project through to construction.”
The Port of Gulfport, which serves as Mississippi’s state port, is a key shipping hub for containerized and other commercial cargo and features on-dock Class I rail service through CN and CPKC. Designated as a Strategic Seaport, the facility also maintains a direct rail connection to the military’s Camp Shelby near Hattiesburg and an active relationship with the Naval Construction Battalion, or Seabees, based on the Gulf Coast.