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Provisions for some of Mississippi's most embattled water systems have been written into a bill in the U.S. Senate. If the Magnolia State's federal representatives can help urge it across the finish line, some cities will come into millions of dollars.
The Water Resources Development Act is still in its infancy; it was only proposed on July 13. But it speedily passed through its committee and awaits a vote in the full chamber, the roughly halfway point of its journey to becoming law.
The stated purpose of the massive bill is to "provide improvements to the rivers and harbors" and boost water conservation efforts. In Mississippi, that proposal primarily involves two things: money and studies.
How much money could flow into Mississippi?
Mississippi could see more than $20 million directly from the federal government if the bill becomes law, mostly earmarked for municipalities with struggling water systems.
The bill would send an additional $5 million each to Clinton, Oxford and Picayune for environmental infrastructure. Madison County would add $2 million to the $24 million it received in the 2022 version of the same bill.
Oxford's lengthy improvements to its water system were derailed at the beginning of the year when Winter Storm Fern ravaged northern Mississippi. With the bill's supplement, the city's authorization would climb to $15 million.
The bill would also divide $5 million between 10 Mississippi communities for improvements to their water and sewage systems. The communities include:
- Brandon
- Choctaw County
- Columbus
- Flowood
- Forest
- Hattiesburg
- Lucedale
- Natchez
- Vicksburg
- West Jackson County Utility District
Although municipalities in the Jackson area, including Flowood, Clinton and Brandon, are slated to receive funds under the bill, the capital city was left out of the federal legislation. Litigation is still ongoing between the City of Jackson and the state over the Jackson Water Authority Board, which proposed turning control of the water system to a board largely appointed by state officials.
What kind of studies would the bill authorize?
Beyond the dollars that could make their way south, the bill would authorize enough studies to rival a last-minute cram session before final exams.
Among the most notable would inspect the Walkiah Bluff weir in Pearl River County. Built around 30 years ago to split waterflow between the East and West Pearl Rivers, the structure was nearly decimated after heavy flooding in early 2022. The study would determine whether it's possible to rebuild the weir.
Another study would highlight opportunities to restore the banks of the Hatchie River in the northeastern part of the state. Federal agencies have identified agriculture as a major contributor to erosion on the river, which has increased the risk of flooding. The water quality has also deteriorated because of the sediment seeping into the water.
The Army Corps of Engineers would be charged with evaluating the conditions of locks, dams and levees around the state. This includes those along the manmade Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway that cuts through northeastern Mississippi.
Federal agencies would also look to Gulfport for a study on its main shipping channel. The goal would be to dredge it, increasing its depth and width for passing ships. Similar legislation passed on the state level earlier this year, setting money aside from the Ross Barnett Reservoir Dredging Fund to reshape the body.
What happens now?
The next step for the bill is a vote before the entire Senate. It needs a simple majority, or the support of at least 51 senators, to cross over to the House of Representatives.
The legislation was introduced by a Republican with near-equal cosponsors from both parties. It also earned an endorsement from Sen. Roger Wicker, who said the bill would advance important projects and "support the communities and industries that rely on our waterways."
Bea Anhuci is the state government reporter for the Clarion Ledger. She has covered Mississippi politics since the start of 2026. Email her at [email protected].
This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: Federal water bill could send millions to Mississippi cities
