Port expansion moves one step closer

Expanding the port was discussed at the meeting of the Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Thursday.

The $25 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant application prepared by Neel-Schaffer, Inc., was approved unanimously to be submitted to fund the cost of the construction.

Additionally, the board approved an environmental assessment to be conducted by Neel-Schaffer, Inc. at the cost of $800,000 which will be shared between the city of Vicksburg and the Warren County Port Commission.  $475,000 of the cost will be covered by the City of Vicksburg from the $573,715.04 balance remaining from a $1 million dollar award from the Mississippi legislature in 2018. The Warren County Port Commission will pay the remainder of $325,000 upon receipt of an award in the same amount pursuant  S.B. 2948.

The port was first established over 50 years ago and has become a major economic part of the community. A market analysis done in 2018 and 2019 showed that the port had room to expand and provide more opportunities for the economy and job market in Vicksburg and Warren County.

The port currently handles around 14 million tons of freight each year.