Congress Investing in Mississippi Waterways
As Mississippians kept an eye on Tropical Storm Bertha’s progress along the coast, we were often relying on insights from the Hurricane Hunters. This small fleet of aircraft collects weather data for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).
Hurricane Hunter pilots and their custom planes fly sky-high meteorological stations directly into the eye of oncoming storms—relaying real-time information on air pressure, wind speed, and air currents. Their daring and demanding missions help first responders, elected officials, and the public prepare for bad weather.
Equipping Hurricane Hunters
My colleagues and I recently voted to bring much-needed assistance to the Hurricane Hunters. The Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed a bill to help NOAA acquire more aircraft to modernize its aging fleet. The more Hurricane Hunters we have at the ready, the safer our communities will be. The bill will now head to the full Senate for consideration.
Stewarding our Water Resources
Hurricane season also underscores our need for the best flood prevention and water infrastructure systems. This month, my colleagues and I on the Environment and Public Works Committee advanced the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA) of 2026. If approved by the full Senate and signed into law, this legislation would authorize the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to move ahead on important water projects across the state.
This year’s WRDA bill initiates flood control efforts along the Hatchie River, impacting Tippah, Alcorn, and Union counties. Our bill also aims to expedite the completion of the Lower Mississippi River Comprehensive Study, eventually helping to modernize the Bonnet Carré Spillway. Additionally, the bill will direct an assessment of the condition of locks and dams along the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway system.
The legislation commissions a study to improve the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County, which will help manage water levels, increase recreation activities, and prevent flooding. WRDA also directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to examine the potential use of hydrokinetic turbines in the Mississippi River. This could generate hydroelectricity from the free-flowing water—without the need for a dam. Over a dozen Mississippi communities and counties will benefit from improvements to wastewater systems and other water infrastructure.
Expanding Maritime Commerce
WRDA also takes the next step on a long-term Mississippi priority: deepening the Port of Gulfport and widening the ship channel that serves it. The Port of Gulfport is a gateway to America’s heartland—an important channel between our nation and the world. A deeper, wider ship channel would allow larger ships, bigger cargo loads, and even more trade to flow in and out of the United States, creating jobs.
In the 2022 WRDA, I directed the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to assess the feasibility and economic benefits of deepening the port. That review is now complete. In this year’s WRDA, my colleagues and I endorsed the study’s conclusions and authorized next steps, which include design decisions and cost-share agreements among federal, state, and local governments.
The port improvement efforts highlight a central fact: Water will always be a major part of Mississippi’s commerce and culture. This year’s WRDA will help us steward this vital resource for years to come.
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