Bolivar Commercial
Rosedale Ports Given Funding for Dredging
By Courtney Warren
On Monday, the Corps of Engineers released its FY2018 Work Plan, which outlines additional funding for ongoing Civil Works projects, investing an additional $55.9 million in Mississippi to support infrastructure improvements throughout the state.
This investment includes $1.19 million to Rosedale Harbor maintenance dredging. Dredging is the removal of sediments and debris from the bottom of lakes, rivers, harbors and other water bodies. It is a routine necessity in waterways around the world because sedimentation — the natural process of sand and silt washing downstream — gradually fills channels and harbors.
According to the National Ocean Service, dredging often is focused on maintaining or increasing the depth of navigation channels, anchorages, or berthing areas to ensure the safe passage of boats and ships. Vessels require a certain amount of water in order to float and not touch bottom.
The Mississippi Senators earlier this year encouraged the Army Corps to support projects that were unfunded or underfunded in the FY2018 budget.
The money was discussed at the recent Bolivar County Board of Supervisors meeting and board president Donnie Whitten said, "There have been funds appropriated for dredging the channel. It's an annual process. I have not seen the latest report. There is a little more to be done after a high-water event and we’ve had a lot of those this year.”
Both Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Sen. Roger Wicker made comments about the funding in a press release.
“Mississippians will see benefits from the Army Corps of Engineers decision to apply additional funding to water, wastewater and other infrastructure programs in our state,” Hyde-Smith said. “I credit the Army Corps for identifying priority projects that have local support and can help improve public safety and the quality of life in Mississippi.”
“These projects in the Army Corps work plan demonstrate the far-reaching impact of the Mississippi River and Tributaries project as a vehicle for critical water and port infrastructure investment,” Wicker said.
“The additional investments in water and wastewater infrastructure will pay dividends for Mississippi’s communities.” Whitten said, “We are still working on expanding the port and lengthening the port to the north."
"We could just go in and have it done, but the channel has been reauthorized so they dredge where we need them to. Anything to do with this doesn’t happen very easily. We do have the advantage of the industrial port so we have a way to give new companies access to the water in a location or two.” Whitten said, "We are running short on useable water sites. There are approximately 200 useable acres. The port controls 1.500 acres total. There is no private land between the port and the state park. There are new railroads developments but again that’s a slow process. "
According to a press release, of significance, the 2018 Work Plan will provide $3.6 million in construction funds to support the DeSoto County Regional Utility Authority wastewater facility and $1.5 million for a storm water management study for North DeSoto County. An additional $2.4 million would support water supply work in Flowood and wastewater infrastructure in Starkville. On the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the Army Corps will direct an additional $3.0 million to dredge the Port of Gulfport.
Another $1.19 million would support dredging at Rosedale Harbor and $131,000 for similar work at the mouth of the Yazoo River.
The Army Corps will also use $45.3 million to invest in Mississippi River and Tributaries projects in the state, including $27.1 million in construction funding for the Delta Headwaters, Upper Yazoo, Big Sunflower River, and Yazoo Backwater Area flood control projects. Progress on these four projects would enhance flood control, water quality, sediment reduction, and help the environment in the region.