Pearl River Project Revitalization Coalition
We are working with government leaders, college institutions, and economic development agencies to ensure the new Pearl River flood control project is designed to maximize community benefits.
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The project is led by the Army Corp of Engineers, working with the Rankin-Hinds Flood Control District. The coalition is made up of 20+ organizations including local government leaders, colleges and universities, hospitals, economic development institutions, neighborhood and community organizations.
Pearl River Revitalization Coalition Members: 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, Great City Mississippi Foundation, Jackson Heart Foundation, Fondren Renaissance Foundation, Mississippi 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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Ongoing
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Pearl River Basin from Lakeland Drive to I-20 Interstate.
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2024 - Ongoing
In 2024, Jackson leaders formed the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition (PRRC) in support of the Alternative D Plan for the Pearl River to combat flooding, improve infrastructure, and connect the city to the Pearl River. The US Army Corps of Engineers Alternative D Solution, which was published earlier this year in the Pearl River Environmental Impact Statement report, proposes to widen the river and replace the existing 100 year old weir with a 21st century weir several miles down from its current location. The Alternative D Solution manages flooding and creates a range of community benefits.
In August of 2022, Jackson experienced a combined flood and water supply crisis. As a result, Governor Tate Reeves requested a Federal disaster designation which was quickly granted by the Biden Administration. Congress, on a bipartisan basis, appropriated $600 million to the Environmental Protection Agency to solve Jackson’s critical water and sewer infrastructure needs. Next, the Army Corps of Engineers in coordination with the Mississippi Congressional delegation made $221 million available to address Jackson’s long standing flood risks. In addition, the United States Department of Agriculture, working with the Jackson Metro Area governments, has dedicated over $100 million during the last three years to clean and restore tributaries flowing into the Pearl River.
In the aftermath of the crisis, we are grateful for all the actions, commitments and resources to protect, repair and restore Rankin and Hinds Counties’ essential infrastructure, flood control, and Pearl River water quality. This federal multi-agency, State, local government investment is making a difference. Importantly, these initiatives represent a once in a generation opportunity to help revitalize and improve the lives of every citizen in the Jackson area and downstream.
Together, we have formed the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition in support of this alternative solution because it offers the greatest collective benefit. We see this project as an opportunity to improve our city’s flooding, recreational benefits, conservation and water quality efforts, and changing our development patterns to be centered around public space. We believe a stronger connection to the Pearl River can create a new collective identity for our city that we can all be proud of together.
The Alternative D Plan provides the only optionality for a modern, environmentally superior water plant in South Jackson, as expressed in public comments by JXN Water. Alternative D is the only option which provides Jackson an equitable, resilient, and sustainable clean water supply. A water treatment facility near the weir could directly help communities in South Jackson, where the neighborhoods suffered the most from lack of a reliable, clean water supply.
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, Great City Mississippi Foundation, Jackson Heart Foundation, Fondren Renaissance Foundation, Mississippi Children’s Museum, Mississippi Museum of Art, C Spire Foundation, Jackson Medical Mall Foundation, Ergon Foundation, LeFleur East Foundation, Clean Up Jackson
