The Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District held a press conference on Thursday, February 26, 2026 at 8:30 a.m. to address the recent Policy Direction Memorandum issued January 31, 2026, by the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works regarding the Pearl River Basin, Mississippi Federal Flood Risk Management Project. The memorandum directs the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to proceed with implementation of a plan that combines elements of Alternative E1, the National Economic Development (“NED”) plan and the locally preferred plan, Alternative D1. The Secretary found both alternatives to be technically feasible and environmentally acceptable. This is a milestone decision that positions the Jackson metropolitan area for long-term flood resilience and economic growth.

A Resiliency Investment for Mississippi’s Capital Region

In addition to reducing flood risk, this project creates a transformative opportunity to reconnect our community to the Pearl River. For generations, the river has been viewed primarily through the lens of flood danger. With enhanced flood protection in place, we can begin to safely and responsibly expand public access to one of our region’s greatest natural assets.

Expanded access to the Pearl River means new opportunities for walking trails, paddling, fishing, outdoor events, and family recreation. It means creating destinations that attract visitors, support local businesses, and enhance quality of life for residents. Communities across the country have demonstrated that when you combine flood resilience with thoughtful riverfront planning, you create economic momentum. The federal Project Alternative selection marks a strong turning point.

The selected approach:

• Achieves the highest flood risk reduction of all alternatives analyzed.

• Protects hundreds of homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure assets

• Provides river access and expanded recreational opportunities

• Provides expanded economic benefit opportunities

“This is more than a flood control decision — it is a resiliency investment in the economic future of the Capital Region,” said Mayor Jake Windham (Pearl), President of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District. “Reducing flood risk strengthens our tax base, stabilizes property values, lowers uncertainty for lenders and insurers, and creates conditions where private capital can move forward with confidence.”

“This federal policy direction represents a pivotal moment for flood protection in Rankin and Hinds Counties,” said Mayor John Horhn (Jackson), Board Member of the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District. “After decades of study, public input, and collaboration with the Corps, we are now moving toward implementation of a project that will reduce flood damages, enhance resiliency, and provide additional community and recreational benefits.”

Strengthening Downtown Jackson and the Regional Tax Base

Downtown Jackson, the State Capitol complex, major medical facilities, and key commercial corridors, including Pearl, Flowood, and Richland exist within the project area.

Flood protection directly supports:

• Downtown revitalization efforts

• Expanded recreational opportunities for the area

• Mixed-use and residential development

• Protection of public infrastructure investments

• Regional Long-term fiscal stability