Update: December 5, 2023

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 The District would like to emphasize that the information contained in these materials is outdated and does not accurately reflect the current evaluation and our growing knowledge of the plan.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.

 

Update: October 31, 2023

Mr. Michael Connor, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works, decided to postpone publication of the Pearl River documents for a second time.

  • 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.
  • Unfortunately, funds for the evaluation have been exhausted.
  • USACE has identified funds for the completion of the study and are working to obtain the necessary approvals to utilize these funds.
  • Given these reasons, and to allow time for additional agency coordination, we are delaying the release of the draft Commander’s Report and draft Environmental Impact Statement.
  • We recognize that this is the second delay in publication of the documents we have announced. While we understand the concerns in these delays, we remain dedicated to this effort.
  • Once funds are made available, USACE will complete the evaluation and prepare the report documents for publication.
  • USACE will provide a schedule update once funds are received.
  • Updates will be provided to the Congressional delegation and project Stakeholders.
  • Updates will be posted to the project website: https://www.mvk.usace.army.mil/Missions/Programs-and-Project-Management/Project-Management/Pearl-River/
  • Once the report documents are prepared and ready for review, a Notice of Availability will be advertised in the Federal Register announcing a 45-day public/agency review.
o Advance notifications will be provided to the Congressional delegation and project Stakeholders.
o The project website will also be updated with an announcement and access to the report documents.


  • USACE will conduct another round of public meetings to present their findings and receive feedback during the public review period.
  • We look forward to receiving input and having meaningful discussion with the public on these documents to further inform the decision-making process.

Update: August 31, 2023

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.

Pearl River Flood Risk Management

Pearl River FRM - Public Meeting May 23, 2023 Slidell, LA Afternoon Session

Pearl River FRM - Public Meeting May 23, 2023 Slidell, LA Evening Session

Pearl River FRM Public Meeting June 1, 2023 evening virtual session (Presentation & Public Comments)

Pearl River FRM - Public Meeting May 23, 2023 Jackson, MS Afternoon Session (Presentation & Public Comments)

Pearl River FRM - Public Meeting May 23, 2023 Jackson, MS Evening Session (Public Comments)

Pearl River FRM Public Meeting Jun 1, 2023 afternoon virtual session (Presentation & Public Comments)

Pearl River Flood Risk Management - Project Study Area

 



 

Pearl River Flood Risk Management - Project Study Area

 



 

Pearl River Flood Risk Management - Project Study Area