GULFPORT — A decades-long effort to deepen and widen the federal shipping channel serving the Port of Gulfport has reached a major milestone after receiving approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, clearing the way for congressional consideration later this year.
Lt. Gen. William H. “Butch” Graham Jr., chief of engineers and commanding general of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has signed the Chief’s Report recommending the project for authorization by Congress through the 2026 Water Resources Development Act.
The milestone follows completion of a feasibility study that was initiated through legislation championed by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, who said the project would represent a significant boost to Mississippi’s maritime economy.
“We are making a quantum leap forward for the Port of Gulfport,” Wicker said. “A deeper, wider channel will unlock even more growth for our bustling maritime economy. Mississippians will benefit for years to come.”
If authorized and funded, the project would deepen the channel from 36 feet to 46 feet and widen it from 300 feet to 350 feet, allowing larger vessels to access the port and increasing the volume of cargo that can move through Mississippi.
The project carries an estimated price tag of $548 million, with costs split under a 75% federal and 25% state-local funding arrangement.
Gov. Tate Reeves called the Corps’ approval an important step in a process that Mississippi leaders have pursued for nearly 20 years.
“Mississippi has worked for nearly two decades to move this project forward, and this approval marks an important milestone in the process,” Reeves said. “Deepening the Port of Gulfport to 46 feet means bigger ships, more cargo, and a wider array of logistics opportunities flowing through Mississippi.”
Port of Gulfport CEO and Executive Director Jon Nass said the project will strengthen the port’s competitiveness and improve supply chain resilience while creating new economic opportunities across 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.
Nass credited Reeves, Wicker, U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and U.S. Rep. Mike Ezell for helping advance the project through the federal review process.
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork also praised the decision, saying it will help the state attract new business while improving service to existing port customers.
The next step is congressional authorization through the Water Resources Development Act. If approved, state and federal officials would then seek funding to move the project into construction.
Supporters say the improvements will allow the Port of Gulfport to accommodate larger modern cargo ships, move goods more efficiently and compete more effectively with other Gulf Coast ports for international trade and shipping business.
