U.S. Senator Roger Wicker celebrated the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ recommendation to deepen and widen the Port of Gulfport’s federal channel, a milestone announced on June 9 that paves the way for one of Mississippi’s largest infrastructure projects in decades.
The Corps formally recommended deepening the channel from 36 feet to 46 feet and widening it from 300 feet to 350 feet. The project carries an estimated cost of $548 million, to be funded through a 75 percent federal and 25 percent state-local cost share, according to the Office of Governor Tate Reeves.
Wicker initiated the feasibility study that led to the Corps’ decision. In his statement, the senator said the deeper channel will allow larger ships to enter Gulfport, boosting cargo volumes and trade opportunities. “We are making a quantum leap forward for the Port of Gulfport,” Wicker said. “A deeper, wider channel will unlock even more growth for our bustling maritime economy.”
The next phase requires congressional authorization. Wicker, a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, pledged to work toward including the project in the 2026 Water Resources Development Act, the comprehensive legislative package that authorizes Army Corps water infrastructure activities. Once authorized, the project still must secure the necessary federal and state funding before construction can begin.
Deep-water ports serve as critical gateways connecting the nation’s interior to global markets. Gulfport’s current 36-foot channel depth limits the size of vessels that can dock, constraining cargo capacity. The expansion would enable post-Panamax ships—the larger vessels now transiting the expanded Panama Canal—to access the port, boosting Mississippi’s competitive position in regional and international trade.
This recommendation represents the culmination of years of study and advocacy. Wicker noted that the project’s authorization was a top priority he included in the 2022 Water Resources Development Act. The feasibility study examined alternative solutions and identified the 46-foot deepening as the Corps’ recommended plan that met federal criteria.
Sources
- U.S. Senator Roger Wicker — statement on Army Corps recommendation; senator’s role initiating feasibility study and commitment to congressional authorization in 2026 Water Resources Development Act
- Office of Governor Tate Reeves — project cost estimate of $548 million; 75/25 federal-state cost share; channel specifications (36 to 46 feet depth, 300 to 350 feet width)
- WLOX — Army Corps formal recommendation announcement date (June 9, 2026); next steps for funding and authorization
- WorkBoat — project cost and funding structure confirmation
