Army Corps Approves Final Yazoo Backwater Pumps Plan, Senators Wicker and Hyde-Smith Applaud Decision

WASHINGTON - Today, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (Army Corps) released the final Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the Yazoo Backwater Study Area.

The plan has been promised to the people of the South Delta for 83 years, but the flood control project stalled despite the support and approval of local stakeholders, the Army Corps, and environmental groups. The release of the final EIS is a tangible sign that the project is moving forward.

U.S. Senators Roger Wicker, R-Miss., and Cindy Hyde-Smith, R-Miss., applauded this announcement.

"This milestone would not have been possible without collaboration from Yazoo Backwater Area residents, homeowners, business owners, and farmers," Senator Wicker said. "For decades, the government promised flood control solutions to the people of the South Delta. Today's announcement puts us one step closer to preventing further hardship, loss, and frustration in the region. It is time to finish the pumps."

"A lot of work has gone into getting this final EIS, which puts us closer to seeing our goal on the horizon-namely getting to the Record of Decision that should allow us to finally get to work providing flood protection to the Yazoo Backwater Area," Senator Hyde-Smith said. "With the Corps, EPA, and Fish and Wildlife Service all on the same page, we are closer to construction than we've been in a very long time. I strongly encourage those living in the Delta and elsewhere in Mississippi to push these federal agencies to finish the pumps."

The final EIS will be available to the public for 30 days and will close on December 30, 2024.