Wicker: Celebrates 2024 successes

By U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.)

This Year’s Progress Gives Reasons to be Optimistic for 2025

Mississippians have many reasons for optimism as we look to the new year. The successes of 2024 are certainly proof that our state is on the right track. In the U.S. Senate, I regularly work with local and state leaders to assist with needs in their communities. Together, we have made progress on initiatives that are setting Mississippi up for success in the coming decades.

New Milestones Reached on Long-Awaited Projects

This year, the state reached new milestones on two long-awaited projects. For over 83 years, the federal government has consistently failed to deliver flood relief to the south Delta – delaying action even after local residents, environmental groups, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers agreed on a plan. Recently, federal officials published the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project. It is time to finish the pumps, and this document is a tangible sign that we will.

Federal officials have also dragged their feet on the restoration of Gulf Coast Rail service. But the project rounded a decisive turning point this year after local and state officials came to an agreement with freight rail companies. Thanks to years of hard work, a round-trip train will run twice daily from New Orleans to Mobile. We should soon be able to enjoy the increased tourism and reduced road traffic that will result.

Improvements to Air, Land, and Sea Travel

This year, transportation improvements further connected Mississippi to commercial activity. I helped secure a U.S. Transportation Department grant that will update a section of Highway 49 near Bentonia. Nearby, the Port of Rosedale received funding to increase the size of its intake equipment, which will allow the port to handle more ship traffic. Further south, Hattiesburg opened the first half of an important overpass project. The bridge will ease traffic and accelerate commercial activity in the area. Mississippi also won over $100 million for bridge improvements in Coahoma, Newton, Madison, and Lauderdale counties, funding which flowed from a bill I helped negotiate.

I was glad to welcome $36 million for improvements to our state’s airports. These grants will support nuts-and-bolts projects. Lighting systems, runways, hangars, wind cones, fencing, and more will be built or improved. Every dollar of this funding will boost Mississippi commerce, making it easier for people to travel to, from, and through our state.

Congress also passed major aviation legislation to support our rural and urban airports and our institutions of higher learning. The bill renewed support for Pearl River Community College’s aviation workforce training as well as Mississippi State University’s research into unmanned flight.

Attracting Record-Breaking Business Investment

In 2024, businesses continued choosing Mississippi. As we improve our transportation systems, expand our broadband networks, and increase our research activity, more investment is sure to follow.

In Madison County, Amazon Web Services formally kicked off what will be the largest private investment in state history. Amazon chose Mississippi for our business-friendly environment, technology assets, and because local and state leaders pitched in to facilitate the initiative. The project is a sign that more investment will come.

It is also far from the only development we welcomed this year. I was grateful to attend groundbreakings, ribbon-cuttings, and facility expansions in places such as Greenville, Batesville, Gulfport, Corinth, and Gloster.

The Future is Bright

As always, our young people continued to be our chief reason for optimism. I had the chance to meet with Junior ROTC cadets, Boys State attendees, and high school civics students, as well as the college-aged interns working in my office. They demonstrated pride in their country and willingness to serve – reminding me that Mississippi will be in good hands for years to come.

Note: This article is the weekly Wicker Report from U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, written by the Senator and provided by his office. Any opinions expressed here are that of the author and not necessarily that of this publication.