Long-awaited Pearl River flood control project moves forward

Jackson and Pearl mayors say project will provide flood protection and economic benefits to the region

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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A project to protect the City of Jackson and surrounding areas from flooding by the Pearl River is moving to the next phase. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has selected a project design that will bring long-awaited flood control and community benefits to Mississippi's Capital Region. The project is expected to cost around $450 million and take three years to complete once construction begins, which is planned for late 2026 or early 2027.

Why it matters

Recurring floods from the Pearl River have contributed to population decline in Jackson in recent decades, with the poorest residents being affected the most. This project aims to provide flood protection and spur economic development by improving access to the river and creating new public amenities.

The details

The project is being led by the Pearl River Revitalization Coalition, a group of private and public institutions focused on flood protection. The next phase includes negotiations with the Corps on the design, which will include environmental reviews. Funding is expected to come from $221 million pledged by the federal government and contributions from the Rankin Hinds flood control district and potentially the State of Mississippi.

  • The last major flood in Jackson was in 2022.
  • The construction phase is planned to begin by late 2026 or early 2027.
  • The project is expected to take three years to complete once construction begins.

The players

John Horhn

The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi.

Jake Windham

The mayor of Pearl, Mississippi, and president of the Rankin Hinds Flood Levee Board.

Keith Turner

An attorney representing the flood control district.

Pearl River Revitalization Coalition

A group of private and public institutions and organizations focused on flood protection in the central Mississippi region.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers

The federal agency that has selected the project design for flood control along the Pearl River.

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What they’re saying

“People don't set down roots and invest in communities where they feel that they're at risk.”

— John Horhn, Mayor of Jackson (redhillsmsnews.com)

“It is typically the poorest residents who are affected most by the flooding.”

— Jake Windham, Mayor of Pearl (redhillsmsnews.com)

“Part of that comes from the fact that the Corps can't build anything inexpensively, and there's ways of saving money”

— Keith Turner, Attorney representing the flood control district (redhillsmsnews.com)

What’s next

The next phase in the project includes negotiations with the Corps on the design, which is planned to begin within four weeks. That process will include the completion of necessary items as required under the National Environmental Policy Act.

The takeaway

This long-awaited flood control project along the Pearl River aims to not only provide protection for hundreds of homes and businesses, but also spur economic development in Jackson and the surrounding region by improving access to the river and creating new public amenities. If successful, it could help reverse the population decline the city has experienced in recent decades due to recurring flood events.