Natchez Democrat
Trump funding boost gives Natchez $2 million start on Canal Street bridge replacement
Trump-approved $2M gives Natchez key funding to replace the Canal Street Bridge, as city seeks $3.8M more for the $5.8M project to safeguard downtown access.
Jan Griffey, The Natchez Democrat
NATCHEZ — President Donald Trump has signed legislation that includes another funding boost for Natchez, said Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson.
"Just a few days after approving $1.178 million for our Fine Avenue infrastructure replacement project, the President has now approved another $2 million to assist in the replacement of the Canal Street Bridge," Gibson said on Thursday. "Again we wish to express thanks to Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, who, as chairman of the Senate THUD Subcommittee, led the effort for Natchez to receive this important funding.
"We also appreciate the support of Sen. Roger Wicker, who fully supported Sen. Hyde-Smith by co-sponsoring this spending request as it made its way through the Senate and eventually won passage by the House," he said. "Thanks also goes to former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper and Brett Bailey with Harper and Bailey Government Solutions, who have worked tirelessly to help us.
"We still have more to raise, but $2 million is a fantastic start. Keeping Canal Street open is vital to our local economy, and the replacement of this bridge will ensure the vitality of our city for years to come," Gibson said.
The total cost of the replacement project is estimated to be approximately $5.8 million. "The $2 million award is a great start toward fully funding the project," Gibson said.
The City of Natchez and the Mississippi Department of Transportation have together invested approximately $950,000 in repairs to the bridge, which has resulted in a five-year lifespan extension accompanied by routine inspections and a continued prohibition on 18-wheelers using the bridge, he said.
"Replacement of the bridge is necessary to ensure the continued safety of all who desire to access beautiful downtown Natchez," Gibson said.
The Natchez Board of Aldermen at its last meeting voted unanimously to make the city's number one ask of the Mississippi Legislature to provide the remaining $3.8 million in funds for the replacement of the Canal Street Bridge.
Aldermen also asked the Adams County Board of Supervisors to support that request that the state Legislature fund the remaining $3.8 million needed for the bridge.
"The Canal Street bridge is vital not only to the city of Natchez but to the county as well," Gibson said. "We seek that state funding as either with a direct appropriation from the state or as a bond if the state decides to do a bond bill this year."