Alderman addresses Kings’ flooding issue with railroad

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Ward 1 Alderman TJ Mayfield, Public Works Director Steve Williams, and City Attorney Kim Nailor met today with representatives from Vicksburg Southern Railroad to discuss ongoing flood mitigation efforts in the Kings community, specifically addressing approximately one-half mile of drainage concerns affecting residents that starts in the Ford Street and Chickasaw areas.

The meeting focused on identifying immediate steps that can be taken to reduce flooding while the City of Vicksburg continues pursuing funding opportunities for a long-term infrastructure solution.

A major concern identified during the meeting is the presence of overgrown drainage ditches that have limited water flow and contributed to flooding in the area. City officials announced that Public Works crews will begin cleaning ditches in the Ford Street and Chickasaw areas during the winter months, when vegetation is reduced and additional manpower is available within the department.

Officials also discussed challenges associated with existing utility infrastructure near the railroad corridor. Due to water and gas lines located on the west side of the railroad tracks, the city must carefully conduct drainage work while remaining on the east side of the tracks to avoid disrupting essential utility services.

“Our meeting with Vicksburg Southern Railroad was productive, and I appreciate their willingness to partner with the city as we work to address flooding concerns in the Kings community,” said Alderman TJ Mayfield. “Ditch cleaning alone will not completely solve the problem, these efforts represent an important step in reducing flooding impacts while we continue seeking grant funding for a permanent, long-term solution.”

Moving forward, the City of Vicksburg will work closely with its engineering team and Vicksburg Southern Railroad to coordinate future ditch maintenance efforts. By synchronizing maintenance activities, city leaders hope to improve drainage and lessen the severity of flooding events experienced by residents.

“Addressing flooding in the Kings area will require continued collaboration among the city, our engineers, and Vicksburg Southern Railroad,” Mayfield added. “We remain committed to finding both short-term and long-term solutions that protect residents and improve quality of life in the community.”