Port of Gulfport Reaches Major Milestone as U.S. Army Corps Recommends Channel Deepening

JACKSON, Miss. - The Port of Gulfport has reached a major milestone in its drive to deepen and widen the federal channel serving Mississippi's state port, a step that positions the Port for years of growth and clears the project for inclusion in this year's Water Resources Development Act.

Lt. Gen. William H. "Butch" Graham Jr., the 56th Chief of Engineers and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, has signed the Chief's Report recommending the project for congressional authorization. The Water Resources Development Act is the legislation through which Congress authorizes major water resources projects nationwide.

Following authorization, the next step will be securing funding for the project. The project carries an estimated cost of $548 million, funded through a 75 percent federal and 25 percent state-local cost share. It marks the next chapter in a sustained investment in the Port of Gulfport, building on the momentum of recent years to position Mississippi's state port for long-term growth.

"This is a major win for Mississippi and our Gulf Coast," said Governor Tate Reeves. "Mississippi has worked for nearly two decades to move this project forward, and this approval marks an important milestone in the process. Deepening the Port of Gulfport to 46 feet means bigger ships, more cargo, and a wider array of logistics opportunities flowing through Mississippi. This expanded gateway for commerce will continue our state's historic momentum toward global leadership in economic development. Thank you to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for helping us reach this critical step."

Once constructed, the channel will be deepened from 36 feet to 46 feet and widened from 300 feet to 350 feet. These improvements will let the Port welcome larger modern vessels, move cargo more efficiently and compete for new business across the Gulf.

Port CEO and Executive Director Jon Nass emphasized the project's broad significance for 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. "Important steps remain, but we are committed to seeing this project through to construction."

Nass extended particular recognition to Mississippi's state leadership and congressional delegation for their sustained advocacy throughout the study process.

"Governor Reeves, Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith and Congressman Ezell were indispensable partners in reaching this milestone," Nass said. "Their commitment to Mississippi's maritime economy made this possible, and we look forward to their continued partnership as we advance toward construction."

"The Port of Gulfport is one of Mississippi's most important economic assets, and today represents another important step forward for our state," said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork. "With this approval, Mississippi is better positioned to serve existing port customers, attract new business, and move products more efficiently through one of the Gulf Coast's key gateways. MDA is proud to support projects that make Mississippi more connected and better positioned for long-term economic growth."

About the Port of Gulfport: The Port of Gulfport is a key gateway for north-south container trade and breakbulk cargo, with on-dock Class I rail service via the CN and CPKC. As a designated Strategic Seaport, the Port also has a direct rail connection to Camp Shelby and an active relationship with the Naval Construction Battalion (Seabees) stationed locally. Gulfport is a key port for refrigerated cargo and maintains 1,400 refrigerated container plugs to support perishable imports and exports. Gulfport is also a hub for Mississippi's growing Blue Economy, housing research, innovation and manufacturing facilities that advance uncrewed maritime systems and other blue technologies.