American Cruise Lines is moving forward with plans to construct its Natchez dock along the Mississippi River this year and will provide the city with $500,000 to support improvements to Natchez Under the Hill. During a meeting with the Natchez Board of Aldermen, Mayor Dan Gibson said the company is investing more than $4 million in the long-planned docking facility. The additional $500,000 could be combined with other funding sources to enhance the riverfront area along Silver Street. ACL currently leases a city‑owned riverboat landing at the end of Silver Street and has brought its riverboats to Natchez since 2012.
Louisiana small business owners are monitoring developments in Baton Rouge as the legislative session gets underway. Leah Long, state director of the National Federation of Independent Business, said business owners want lawmakers to further reduce the personal income tax rate and maintain fiscal responsibility. Long also said the state’s complex sales tax system continues to create challenges for small businesses, and she is advocating for a centralized sales tax collection process.
A bill that would increase pay for Mississippi teachers is advancing at the state capitol. Under the proposal, starting salaries for K‑12 teachers would rise to more than $47,000, with the increase phased in over three years. Special education teachers would receive a $9,000 raise, and assistant teachers could see a $2,000 increase. The bill now returns to the state House for additional debate.
In Louisiana, a proposal from Baton Rouge Senator Regina Barrow would allow voters to decide on raising the minimum wage. The bill would set the minimum wage at $10.25 per hour, followed by annual increases tied to the consumer price index. Barrow noted that the state’s minimum wage has remained at the federal level of $7.25 per hour for more than 17 years. Business groups argue that increasing the minimum wage could contribute to higher consumer prices and job losses.
The Mississippi River at Natchez is at 26.36 feet and rising.
