Hinds Today

U.S. Senators Cindy Hyde-Smith and Roger Wicker have expressed their approval following the release of the final environmental impact statement (EIS) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers for the Yazoo Backwater Study Area. This development marks a significant step forward in a long-awaited flood control project.

The EIS, developed with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, suggests installing pumps to reduce flood risks across communities in the Yazoo Backwater Area while securing measures to minimize impacts on wetland resources.

Senator Hyde-Smith commented, "A lot of work has gone into getting this final EIS, which puts us closer to seeing our goal on the horizon—namely getting to the Record of Decision that should allow us to finally get to work providing flood protection to the Yazoo Backwater Area." She added, "With the Corps, EPA, and Fish and Wildlife Service all on the same page, we are closer to construction than we’ve been in a very long time."

Senator Wicker also acknowledged community collaboration: "This milestone would not have been possible without collaboration from Yazoo Backwater Area residents, homeowners, business owners, and farmers." He emphasized that "today’s announcement puts us one step closer to preventing further hardship, loss, and frustration in the region."

The Notice of Availability will be published in the Federal Register with public access open for 30 days until December 30, 2024. Further details can be found on the Army Corps Vicksburg District’s Yazoo Backwater Project website.

Following severe flooding in 2019 that impacted the Yazoo Backwater Area, Senator Hyde-Smith has advocated for federal completion of pumping stations authorized under the Flood Control Act of 1941. These pumps represent an unfulfilled federal promise aimed at protecting approximately 630,000 acres in Mississippi's South Delta.

As part of her role on the Senate appropriations subcommittee funding the Army Corps, Hyde-Smith is working towards passing legislation that includes funding for this project within the FY2025 Energy and Water Development Appropriations Bill.