Senate Passes Water Resources Bill with Key Projects for Mississippi

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Senate on Wednesday passed the Water Resources Development Act of 2024 (S.4367), a sweeping water infrastructure bill that authorizes federal support for waterways, flood control, ports, and environmental projects in Mississippi and across the nation.

The bill, which passed 97-1, authorizes U.S. Army Corps of Engineers initiatives related to navigation, flood control, ecosystem restoration, and clean water infrastructure. It now moves to President Biden’s desk for signature.

“This legislation is important to the well-being of Mississippi and the entire nation,” said U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). “Army Corps of Engineers activities in Mississippi are directly linked to the well-being of our citizens and the state’s economy.”

The bill includes funding for several Mississippi-based projects:

• Byram: $7M for water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage improvements.
• Madison: $7M for water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage improvements.
• Pearl: $7M for water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage improvements.
• Diamondhead: $7M for water, wastewater, and drainage systems.
• Hancock County: $7M for water, wastewater, stormwater, and drainage improvements.
• Mississippi State University: Authorization to research disaster response and water resource development in coordination with the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC).

The bill also enables the Army Corps of Engineers to work with state and local officials to improve flood control, inland ports, wastewater infrastructure, and coastal resilience.