The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has formally recommended deepening and widening the federal navigation channel at the Port of Gulfport, Miss., clearing a critical hurdle for the $548 million project and positioning it for congressional authorization under this year's Water Resources Development Act (WRDA).
Lt. Gen. William H. "Butch" Graham Jr., the Corps' Chief of Engineers, signed the Chief's Report endorsing the project, which would deepen the channel from 36" to 46" and widen it from 300" to 350". The improvements are designed to accommodate larger vessels and improve the port's competitive standing along the Gulf Coast.
Funding would be split 75% federal and 25% state and local. Congressional authorization through the WRDA, the legislative vehicle for major U.S. water infrastructure projects, is the next required step before funding can be secured.
Port CEO and Executive Director Jon Nass said, "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 has previously indicated the full project, from study through construction, could take roughly eight years to complete.
Mississippi Governor Tate Reeves, who characterized the approval as nearly two decades in the making, said the deeper channel would attract larger vessels and broaden the state's logistics opportunities.
Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork said the project would help the port serve existing customers and attract new business.
The Port of Gulfport handles north-south container trade and breakbulk cargo, offering on-dock Class I rail service via CN and CPKC. It holds a Strategic Seaport designation, maintains 1,400 refrigerated container plugs for perishable cargo, and houses research and manufacturing facilities focused on uncrewed maritime systems.
