Coast projects earmarked in U.S. Senate Bill

South Mississippi could see major investments in water infrastructure under a bill advancing in the U.S. Senate.

Senator Roger Wicker announced the 2026 Water Resources Development Act has cleared the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee.

Among the local priorities are the feasibility study to widen and deepen the Gulfport ship channel, a study to improve and reconstruct the Walkiah Bluff Weir in Pearl River County, and increased environmental funding for the City of Picayune.

The bill would also provide further environmental infrastructure funding for Hattiesburg, Lucedale, and the West Jackson County Utility District.

The legislation now heads to the full U.S. Senate for consideration.