The Pearl River Revitalization Coalition (PRRC) is made up of 20+ organizations including the city and county government, colleges and universities, hospitals, economic development institutions, neighborhood and community organizations. The PRRC is fully supportive of the USACE Alternative D1 flood solution.
On August 28, 2024, the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition held the first press conference that united leaders from around the city to share their support for revitalizing the Pearl River in Jackson, Mississippi.
The coalition is made up of 20 organizations including the city and county government, colleges and universities, hospitals, economic development institutions, neighborhood and community partners.
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The Pearl River Revitalization Coalition (PRRC) is in support of the Alternative D1 Solution because it offers a comprehensive flood control solution, investment in modern infrastructure, opportunities for public access to the river, and a collective city-wide identity. The coalition is made up of 20 organizations including the city and county government, colleges and universities, hospitals, economic development institutions, neighborhood and community partners.
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Members of the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition Include: City of Jackson, Hinds County, Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, Visit Jackson, Downtown Jackson Partners, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson State University, Tougaloo College, Millsaps College, Mississippi College, Belhaven University, Hinds Community College, Greater Belhaven Foundation, Great City Mississippi Foundation, Jackson Heart Foundation, Fondren Renaissance Foundation, MS Children’s Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, C Spire Foundation, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Ergon Foundation, LeFleur East Foundation, Clean Up Jackson
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After the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers makes a final decision on the direction of the flood control solution, members of the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition will initiate a series of design charrettes aimed at prioritizing community engagement. These collaborative sessions will focus on gathering input from residents to ensure that the project reflects collective goals, addresses community needs, and incorporates desired amenities. By fostering an inclusive dialogue, the coalition seeks to develop a flood control strategy that not only enhances safety but also provides long-term benefits for everyone in the city, ultimately contributing to the revitalization of The Pearl River area.
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The opposition to the Pearl River Project primarily comes from environmental groups who have claimed that the project would harm the environment along the Pearl River. Those concerns ignore the fact that the Pearl River, as it runs through Jackson, is not a natural river. The Corps straightened the river in the 1960s when the current levee system was built. To the extent that previous versions of the project, particularly "The One Lake Project," impacted wetlands or other habitats, the Alternative D1 plan has been designed with a much smaller project footprint, aiming to minimize environmental disruption while still addressing the project’s goals. This more focused approach, along with extensive mitigation plans, reflects a commitment to ecological preservation and seeks to alleviate concerns raised in earlier initiatives.
Other concerns were raised about how the project would harm downstream communities. The latest report from the Corps confirms what several studies by the local flood control district have also found – downstream effects will be minimal if at all. The Corps specifically states there will be “no impacts to the State of Louisiana or the Gulf Coast” and impacts south of the project are “highly unlikely.”
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Once constructed, the riverfront property will be owned by the Rankin Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District, a public body made up of the mayors of Jackson, Flowood, Pearl and Richland and representatives of Hinds and Rankin Counties. Large portions of that land will be restricted to natural habitat and public recreational uses (trails, parks, etc). Some parts will be available for economic development, but those parcels will be owned by the public Flood Control District and leased or sold to developers. The Pearl River Revitalization Coalition will initiate a series of design charrettes aimed at prioritizing community engagement in how those land use decisions are made. These collaborative sessions will focus on gathering input from residents to ensure that the project reflects collective goals, addresses community needs, and incorporates desired amenities.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has officially released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Pearl River Flood Control Project, outlining a revised flood risk management plan for the Pearl River.
“This report (EIS) affirms what we’ve said for years—when cities embrace their rivers, they see new opportunities for growth, development, and economic revitalization. We want that future for Jackson, and we’re ready to work together to make it happen.”
— Rickey Thigpen, Executive Director at Visit Jackson
The combination of benefits from the Alternative D1 Plan can help to create a new collective identity for Jackson, Mississippi which is much needed after the city has suffered a series of water crises.
