WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., helped move forward water infrastructure improvements and investments for Mississippi in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2024. This legislation provides funding for waterways, ports, river systems, dredging, and flood protection projects in our state.

“Our state is blessed with ample access to water, which drives economic development, trade, and tourism. But in some instances, this same water can be a threat and wreak havoc on our communities,” Senator Wicker said. “I will keep pushing for the bill to become law because it is a great opportunity to solve these challenges while putting Mississippi in a position for long-term economic success.”

Senator Wicker has a unique position to advocate for and advance these priorities as a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works. The next step for the legislation would be a full vote in the U.S. Senate.

Among other policies that would benefit Mississippi, WRDA would:

• Authorize Section 219 environmental infrastructure in four Mississippi communities. Those funds and communities include:
• $7 million for a new water tank and wastewater collection system for Byram.
• $7 million for stormwater and drainage improvements for Hancock County.
• $7 million for wastewater treatment system improvements for Madison.
• $7 million for drinking water and wastewater improvements for Pearl.
• Increase authorized funding for Section 219 environmental infrastructure by $14 million in five Mississippi communities for:
• a comprehensive stormwater management program for Rankin County.
• a regional wastewater program for DeSoto County.
• wastewater infrastructure improvements for Jackson.
• a comprehensive water management program for Madison County.
• the Meridian Multi-phase Evaluation and Rehabilitation Water Program for Meridian.
• Authorize $44 million in federal funding for flood risk management and aquatic ecosystem restoration in North DeSoto County.

• In recent years, flooding has damaged businesses, residential homes, and other infrastructure in Desoto County.

• Address dredging needs on the Tenn-Tom to ensure continued navigation at locks and dams.
• Decrease the non-federal cost share from 20 to 10 percent for economically distressed communities. The bill also allows the Assistant Secretary for Civil Works to further adjust the cost share based on a community’s ability to pay.
• Expedite competition of the Hatchie-Loosahatchie River floodplain management study. 

• Flooding from the Hatchie River has impacted roads, farmers, private landowners, and bridges. It also has caused several levee breaks.

• Establish the Levee System Owners Advisory Board, which would advise on activities and actions by the Corps to improve flood risk management and improve cooperation and communication between the Corps and the Federal levee system owner-operators.
• Require a report on the existing Levee Safety Guidelines to ensure they remain voluntary.
• Authorize the Corps to conduct research with Mississippi State University on technology that could be used in water resources development infrastructure, analyses of the environment before and after a natural disaster, and geospatial data collection.

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