State awards $314,000 to Vicksburg for infrastructure improvements

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Mayor Willis Thompson announced that the City of Vicksburg has secured $314,000 from the Mississippi Major Economic Impact Authority to support water infrastructure and resiliency improvements tied to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Engineer Research and Development Center. The funding will launch a comprehensive study to strengthen systems critical to ERDC’s operations and the surrounding community.

“This state investment is a sign that Mississippi’s leaders are continuing to recognize Vicksburg’s strategic value,” Mayor Thompson said. “This grant gives us the ability to take action and plan responsibly for long-term infrastructure stability and growth in our city.”

The project requires a local match of $71,000 from the city, bringing the total initial value to approximately $385,000. The study will evaluate current water systems, capacity, and resiliency needs, along with improvements that support mission-critical users including ERDC, whose work depends on reliable city infrastructure.

“We’re taking this opportunity from the state to support one of the most valuable research assets in the United States, while also ensuring Vicksburg can compete for the next generation of jobs and federal investment through improved infrastructure offerings.”

The project period runs through 2027, with quarterly reporting requirements and engineering work beginning upon completion of contract execution.