Since 1979, Jackson has experienced recurring detrimental flood events that have resulted in monetary damages, loss of homes and businesses, and local water treatment facility failure.
Over the past four decades, the city of Jackson has unfortunately experienced a series of recurring and detrimental flood events. These significant disasters have resulted in damages totaling over a billion dollars in today’s dollars, impacting countless residents and leading to the loss of numerous homes and businesses. They drive up the cost of flood insurance, making it more expensive to own a home in the Capitol region. Additionally, these floods have overwhelmed local water treatment facilities, causing them to fail in their critical functions. To gain a deeper understanding of the historic events that catalyzed the urgent need for better flood control measures, continue reading.
Major Flood Events in Jackson, Mississippi
1979 - The Easter Flood
On Easter weekend in 1979, Jackson, Mississippi experienced a severe flood event, the Pearl River reached its highest recorded crest at 43.28 feet, 15 feet above flood stage. The flooding occurred in Downtown Jackson, the State Fairgrounds, and neighborhoods within the city and the metro area. More than 17,000 residents from Jackson, Flowood, Pearl, and Richland were forced from their homes. The flood resulted in $500-700 million dollars in damages (equivalent to $1 billion dollars today) and caused many businesses to move out of Downtown Jackson.
1983 - The Flood of ‘83
Four years later, The Pearl flooded again in 1983, causing more devastation for a recently recovered city. The Flood of ‘83 was crested around 39 feet and caused major flooding in Northeast Jackson. In this flood event, thousands of homes were flooded and the New York Times reported $21 million of damage in Jackson, Mississippi.
2020 - The 2020 Flood
On February 17, 2020, the Pearl River crested at 36.7 feet around Highway 80, marking the third-highest crest on record. This flood event impacted more than 600 homes and businesses in Hinds, Rankin and Madison counties.
2022 - Jackson Water Crisis
In August of 2022, Jackson, Mississippi experienced a combined flood and water supply crisis. Heavy rains and flooding contributed to the failure of the O.B. Water Treatment Plant, the city’s primary water treatment facility, resulting in over 150,000 residents in Jackson with no access to water for multiple weeks. The impact was a catalyst to local and federal government officials to try to build consensus around a flood control solution for the Pearl River.
2022-2023 - Commission for Solutions
As a result, Governor Tate Reeves requested a federal disaster designation which was quickly granted by the Biden Administration. Congress then appropriated $600 million to the EPA to solve Jackson’s critical water and sewer infrastructure needs. The Army Corps of Engineers, in coordination with the Mississippi Congressional delegation, made $221 million available to address the ongoing flood crisis.
2024 - Promising Alternatives
After further collaboration between the local flood control district and the US Army Corps, updated plans were presented to the public with options to reduce and solve Jackson's ongoing flooding issues. The updated Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) evaluated solutions of homeowner buy-outs and elevation programs, the previous “One Lake” local plan, and two new compromise plans called Alternative D & Alternative E. These compromises were smaller than the One Lake plan and tried to maximize flood control, habitat impacts, and community benefits.
2025 - Final Environmental Report Issued
After taking input from the 2024 public comment period and further discussions with the local flood control district, the newly proposed Pearl River Flood Control Alternative D1 Plan was included in the final draft EIS released by the Corps. It has the potential to reduce future flood damage in the Jackson metro area by 71%. This significant reduction represents a transformational shift for communities that have long endured repeated flooding, offering enhanced protection and greater resilience against future storm events. The plan aims to safeguard lives, property, and local infrastructure, marking a pivotal step forward in regional flood management efforts. It includes a modern weir that will provide community benefits like the option for a future water treatment plant in South Jackson and parks and community amenities along the river.
In 2020, and again in 2022, residents in the Jackson metro area watched floodwaters rise into their streets and homes. Neighborhoods like Canton Club Circle and McLeod were among the hardest hit, left vulnerable year after year as the Pearl River crept beyond its banks. The newly proposed Pearl River Flood Control Project Alternative D1 Plan could reduce future flood damage in the Jackson metro area by 71%. That’s a transformational shift for communities that have faced repeated flooding for decades.
Real flood protection for the Jackson metro area.
Celebrating The Pearl River
The Pearl River Revitalization Coalition (PRRC) endorses the Alternative D1 Solution as it presents a holistic approach to flood control while simultaneously creating opportunities for public access and engagement with the river. This solution not only addresses the pressing need for improved flood management but also fosters a strong sense of community and place by enhancing access to the riverfront for residents and visitors alike. By integrating natural green spaces, recreational areas, and cultural attractions along the river, Alternative D1 cultivates a unified, city-wide identity that celebrates the river's significance to the local ecosystem as well as Jackson's cultural and environmental heritage.
100 Year Old Existing Weir, LeFleur’s Bluff
The PRRC supports the Alternative D1 Solution removing the 100 year old weir for a new improved weir downstream.
The new weir is planned to be a state-of-the-art, 21st century design that will effectively control water levels in the surrounding area. It will allow water to regularly flow over the structure, thereby maintaining a consistent water flow. Additionally, it will incorporate a dedicated fish passage to facilitate the movement of freshwater fish, ensuring they can navigate over the structure without obstruction. To enhance flood control capacity, the project will also involve widening the river itself, which will enable it to retain a greater volume of water that is coming from upstream, ultimately improving overall water management in the region.