Big Sunflower River restoration moves forward with Vicksburg District, YMD agreement

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District has entered into a Feasibility Cost Share Agreement with the Yazoo Mississippi Delta Joint Water Management District to restore the Big Sunflower River ecosystem under the Continuing Authorities Program (Section 206).

The agreement, signed by Don Christy, executive director of YMD, and Col. Jeremiah Gipson, Vicksburg District commander, sets the framework for collaborative efforts to address ecological challenges in Sunflower County. Under Section 206, projects are cost-shared, with 65% of the funding provided by the federal government and 35% from the nonfederal side.

“Signing this feasibility cost-share agreement highlights the strength of collaboration in delivering impactful, long-lasting solutions and reaffirms our dedication to sustainable water management,” Gipson said. “This is a crucial step in enhancing the health of the Big Sunflower watershed, ensuring we create a lasting, positive legacy for future generations.”

The Big Sunflower ecosystem restoration project will focus on the Sunflower River near Blaine, Mississippi. This region has suffered from reduced base flows, which drop below 50 cubic feet per second during certain times of the year.

The restoration project aims to improve flow conditions to support aquatic habitats and biodiversity in the Big Sunflower Basin. Restoring flow to the river will benefit aquatic species, particularly those less tolerant of low oxygen levels and higher water temperatures, enabling them to recolonize the area and increase biodiversity.

“We deeply appreciate the strong partnership between YMD and the Corps of Engineers in supporting ecosystem restoration in the watershed,” Christy said. “We are confident that this collaborative effort will benefit the ecology and may also provide a secondary advantage of improving the agricultural water supply — a win-win for both the environment and the citizens of the Mississippi Delta.”

The collaboration is part of ongoing efforts to address ecological degradation and support sustainable water management in the region.

The Vicksburg District oversees an area of 68,000 square miles across parts of Mississippi, Arkansas and Louisiana. It manages nine major river basins and about 460 miles of Mississippi River levees. The district employs about 1,100 personnel and works on complex environmental and engineering challenges.