The city of Vicksburg and Warren County is in the midst of eminent domain proceedings, hoping to acquire 20 properties from six owners for a Port that would be built off US 61 South along the Mississippi River. Mayor George Flaggs doesn’t think a new eminent domain law will be a factor.
“A public body cannot take land and give it to private use or a private developer. But if you take it for the purpose of a public use like a levee, like a port, like a bridge, and those things that’s in the best interest of your public, then you can do it,” Flaggs said during an interview with SuperTalk Mississippi Monday.
The existing port is at maximum capacity. The new port would provide a levee and other flood control measures and allow for rail line extensions, access roads, and other necessary infrastructure.
“The legislature as I understand it put some money in areas for site improvement. We think we qualify for some of that money. We’ll put up some of our own money. I think the legislature, the Governor, the Speaker, and the Lt. Governor are all on board in believing that this could be the biggest port in the state of Mississippi and can create more jobs in Mississippi than any other port in the state.”
