The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has recommended congressional approval for a plan to deepen the Port of Gulfport from 36 to 46 feet and widen it by 50 feet, according to a report signed last week. The three-year study estimates the project will cost $548 million.
Gov. Tate Reeves said in a statement that 75% of the funding would come from the federal government, with the remaining 25% covered by the state. U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker called the project a significant step forward, saying it would unlock more growth for Mississippi’s maritime economy.
Proponents are hopeful Congress will include funding in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act. Port CEO and Executive Director Jon Nass said the project would strengthen the port’s long-term competitiveness, supply chain resilience, and economic opportunities for Mississippi.
Established in 1902, the Port of Gulfport became the world’s largest exporter of yellow pine. As that industry declined, the port shifted to importing tropical fruits like bananas, now making it the second-largest port in the nation for green fruit imports. However, the port’s channel is not deep enough for larger, modern ships, especially since the expansion of the Panama Canal in 2016.
Officials have long argued that deepening the port could attract bigger ships and increase container traffic. Past efforts were hindered by federal approval challenges and funding issues, including plans after Hurricane Katrina and the BP oil spill settlement. Despite federal disaster recovery funds used for expansion, maintaining the port’s depth remains problematic due to sediment buildup and the need for frequent dredging, overseen by the Army Corps of Engineers.
A 2022 report valued the port’s economic contribution at $3.8 billion, supporting 3,600 jobs and generating $62.5 million in taxes for Mississippi. The proposed deepening project aims to ensure the port’s competitiveness for decades to come.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
