Sen. Wicker’s Statement on U.S. Army Corps Recommendation on Gulfport Channel Deepening

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., today released the following statement upon the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' landmark decision to move forward with a plan to deepen and widen the federal channel that serves the Port of Gulfport.

Senator Wicker initiated the feasibility study that led to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' decision. Now that the study is complete and has been signed by the Chief Engineer and Commanding General of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the project needs to be authorized by Congress. Senator Wicker, a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee, will work to ensure this project is authorized in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act.

"We are making a quantum leap forward for the Port of Gulfport. A deeper, wider channel will unlock even more growth for our bustling maritime economy. Mississippians will benefit for years to come," said Senator Wicker. "Completing the study for this project was one of my top priorities that was included in the 2022 Water Resources Development Act. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers made the right decision to prioritize this study, and I am already advocating for the next step. William Hardy, who founded Gulfport and first dredged its port, would be proud of our progress thus far."

Moving commerce by sea is the most efficient way to transport large volumes of cargo. Deep-water ports like Gulfport connect America's heartland to global markets. A deeper and wider channel will allow larger ships, bigger cargo loads, and higher volumes of trade to flow into and out of Mississippi.