The City of Natchez has secured a significant step forward in its efforts to replace the aging Canal Street Bridge, with $2 million in federal funding approved as part of a spending package recently signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The funding comes just days after Natchez received $1.178 million for the Fine Avenue infrastructure replacement project.
Mayor Dan Gibson praised the collaborative efforts that helped make the funding possible, specifically acknowledging U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, who sponsored the Congressionally Directed Spending request. Hyde-Smith, who serves as chairman of the Senate Transportation, Housing and Urban Development (THUD) Subcommittee, led the effort to secure the funds. Senator Roger Wicker also played a key role by co-sponsoring the request and supporting it throughout the legislative process as it moved through the Senate and House.
Additional recognition was given to former U.S. Congressman Gregg Harper and Brett Bailey of Harper and Bailey Government Solutions for their continued advocacy on behalf of the city.
The total cost of replacing the Canal Street Bridge is estimated at approximately $5.8 million. While the $2 million allocation does not fully fund the project, city leaders say it represents a strong start toward meeting the overall goal.
In recent years, the City of Natchez and the Mississippi Department of Transportation have jointly invested about $950,000 in repairs to the bridge. Those efforts extended the bridge’s lifespan by an estimated five years and included routine inspections, along with an ongoing ban on 18-wheelers. Despite these measures, full replacement of the bridge is considered necessary to ensure long-term safety and reliability.
City officials emphasize that keeping Canal Street open is vital to Natchez’s local economy, particularly for access to downtown businesses and attractions. Replacing the bridge will help ensure safe access for residents and visitors alike and support the city’s economic vitality well into the future.
While additional funding will still be needed to complete the project, city leaders say the latest federal investment demonstrates strong momentum and broad support for one of Natchez’s most critical infrastructure priorities.
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