Port expansion project could be complete by 2027

VICKSBURG, Miss. – Mayor Flaggs joined Super Talk Radio’s Paul Gallo on Monday to discuss the new Vicksburg Port Expansion Project that has been in the works since 2018.

The Warren County Port Commission announced last year that Warren County now controls all the parcels needed for the Port Expansion Project south of Interstate I-20. Warren County and the City of Vicksburg worked with the Port Commission to acquire over 1,700 acres along the river. The project began in fall 2018 when the state legislature allocated funds to Vicksburg to explore the feasibility of expanding port capabilities in the region.

The Final Parcel

After purchasing the final land parcel in December of 2023, lawmakers allocated roughly $9 million in tax credits for the development. Initially, the Legislature allocated funds in 2018 to help pay for the land acquisition. Mayor George Flaggs said the port was a pipe dream without governmental funding.

“We just got about $9 million out of the state for a tax credit, and we’re about to look for mitigation money. We’re on track,” said the mayor “We’re doing real good. I want to thank the governor, lieutenant governor, and the legislative group. We’re on our way.”

The Mayor, who is up for reelection in 2025, believes the project is on track for a 2027 completion.

Big Things Ahead

“We’re looking for international freight. We’re looking for some big things to happen. In fact, we have about three fish on the line now trying to get in and get on these 1,900 acres of land,” Mayor Flaggs said.

The Vicksburg Daily News reached out to Pablo Diaz, Executive Director of the Warren County Port Commission for clarification on the next steps to complete the project and he had this to say:

“The Port of Vicksburg Expansion Project is going well and enjoys broad support at the local, State and Federal level. Design is currently underway and we continue to work to secure the resources needed for construction activities to begin. Once construction funding is secured all RFP’s will be published (per state law) through the County bid advertising system. There is no specific date yet as to when construction funding will be available but as soon as that information is known, the Port Commission will make it known to the community and area businesses.”