U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith announced that the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers will allocate $136.5 million in FY2025 appropriations for 30 projects in Mississippi, including $32 million for the Yazoo Backwater Area Water Management Project and $13 million for Arkabutla Lake.
Hyde-Smith, a member of the Senate appropriations subcommittee funding the Army Corps, highlighted that this funding is part of the FY2025 Work Plan under the Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025 (H.R.1968).
“I am very pleased with the Army Corps FY25 Work Plan funding, which will strengthen Mississippi’s levees, keep our ports and waterways operational, and support critical infrastructure improvements that are already underway,” said Hyde-Smith.
“This funding will also help our state prepare for whatever Mother Nature throws at us,” she added. Recent fluctuations in Mississippi River levels have caused significant disruptions to commerce and left large areas underwater.
The Senator expressed satisfaction with progress on the Yazoo Backwater Area project following advocacy efforts. “We reached a significant milestone in January when the Corps signed a Record of Decision for the new Yazoo Backwater pumps plan,” she noted.
Funding from the 2025 Work Plan will enable compliance with mitigation requirements and advance pre-construction phases necessary before actual construction begins.
In addition to these allocations, Arkabutla Lake will receive $13 million for operation and maintenance work, including dam inspections and safety measures.
The overall funding stems from HR.1968 directives requiring a detailed allocation plan within 60 days of enactment. Hyde-Smith began advocating for these funds last spring during an Energy and Water Development Appropriations Subcommittee hearing.
