The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Vicksburg District (District) is aware that pre-decisional planning documents, which included preliminary cost estimates, were made public through a Freedom of Information Act request. The documents, marked as "Preliminary Planning Document, Not for Public Release" and dated August 8, 2023, were initially created during the early stages of plan review.

Since the creation of these documents, the District has actively collaborated with the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District (RHPRFDCD), gaining valuable insights on their plan's scope. The District and the RHPRFDCD have worked together to better understand the plan, refine information, and address additional considerations, including public input. The District would like to emphasize that the information contained in these materials is outdated and does not accurately reflect the current evaluation and our growing knowledge of the plan.

The District apologizes for any confusion the release of this document has created and remains committed to delivering the draft Environmental Impact Statement by early 2024. Furthermore, the District is dedicated to providing an effective flood risk solution for the Jackson Metropolitan Area.

Mr. Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, has decided to postpone publication of the Pearl River documents for no more than 60 days.

•  We remain committed to delivering solutions for the Pearl River basin that will reduce the community’s risk from flooding.
• While our analyses are not exhaustive, we are doing our best to ensure our evaluation of the Rankin-Hinds Feasibility Report is comprehensive, uses the best available information, and can inform decision making on next steps.
• We have received numerous public comments and input over the past few months.
• While we cannot thoroughly assess all comments received, we are working to make sure our analyses address some of the more frequently received comments like flooding issues on the tributaries.
• Given these reasons, we are delaying the release of the draft Commander’s report and draft environmental impact statement by no later than 60 days to allow for additional analysis and coordination.
• We look forward to input and feedback from the public on these documents in the near future.

Thank you for your patience as we work through this process.