Natchez Democrat
Two Natchez projects worth $3.17 million clear Senate Appropriation Committee
By Jan Griffey
NATCHEZ — Two City of Natchez projects have cleared the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee, thanks to the leadership of U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, said Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson.
Gibson said the Canal Street Bridge, which is in need of eventual replacement, is in the Senate THUD Appropriations Bill at $2 million and a major culvert in need of replacement at the bayou crossing at State Street and Fine Avenue is in the Senate Interior Appropriations bill At $1.17 million.
“This is great news for Natchez. We are hopeful that these appropriations will now clear final approval of the Senate and then continue on to the House of Representatives,” Gibson said.
Hyde-Smith is chairperson of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies Appropriation Subcommittee Bill that was approved on a bipartisan basis in a 27-1 vote.
The bill now goes to the vote of the full Senate.
“We’ve worked to achieve a strong bipartisan product that maximizes finite resources to carry out a broad range of programs and activities, ranging from highway safety to homelessness prevention to community development,” Hyde-Smith said.
“In the end, this bill is fiscally responsible and responsive to our nation’s needs, adhering to budgetary constraints, while making key investments to improve our nation’s transportation infrastructure and, among other things, fully funds existing rental assistance for seniors, the disabled and working families,” she said.
“The legislation is expected to go to a vote on the Senate floor following the August recess. Then, the two chambers will negotiate until they reach a deal. At that point, we expect the House to pass it. We will be working with our friends in the House to make sure it is well received there. We anticipate final passage by both chambers in late 2025 or early 2026,” said a spokesperson in Hyde-Smith’s office.