Army Corps selects design for Pearl River flood plan, project moves to next phase
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has selected a design for a long-planned Pearl River flood control project that officials say will protect Jackson and the Capital Region, the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition announced Thursday at an event near the Pearl River Bridge on Highway 80.
Keith Turner, an attorney representing the Rankin-Hinds flood control district, said negotiations with the Corps on the design are expected to begin within four weeks and will include completing items required under the National Environmental Policy Act. Turner said he hopes construction could begin in late 2026 or early 2027 and, if fully funded, would take about three years to complete.
Turner said cost estimates differ sharply. He said the flood control district estimates the project at $450 million while the Corps’ estimate is about twice that amount. Turner said funding is expected to include $221 million pledged by the federal government and contributions from the Rankin-Hinds flood control district, and he expressed hope the State of Mississippi will also help pay costs.
Jackson Mayor John Horhn and Pearl Mayor Jake Windham, who also serves as president of the Rankin-Hinds Flood Levee Board, said the project aims to halt recurring flood damage that officials say contributed to population loss in Jackson. Horhn noted major floods in 1979, 1983, 2000, 2020 and 2022 and said the project would provide “certainty and confidence” for residents. Windham told the crowd the Corps’ chosen plan was the result of public meetings and studies and said it would protect “hundreds of homes” and businesses.
Supporters said the plan would also reopen public access to the riverfront and spur economic development. Jeff Rent, president and CEO of the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership, cited Oklahoma City’s riverfront work as an example, saying it led to a 48% rise in property values and about $3.6 billion in private investment. Organizers said two demonstrators opposed to the project were detained by law enforcement at the event for continued outbursts. Horhn acknowledged opposition but said the Corps has vetted the project for more than 25 years.
Source: Original Article
