NATCHEZ, Miss. – American Cruise Lines is moving forward with building its long-planned dock here along the Mississippi River that Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said could cost about $2 million.
The wharfing facility at the end of Silver Street has been on the drawing board since 2020, and ACL is “now ready to proceed” and “get it done soon,” Gibson said Tuesday.
However, plans need to be revised for a dock to accommodate the other cruise line that brings visitors to Natchez. Viking must relocate a yet-to-be-constructed dock to the boat ramp in front of The Camp restaurant and Under-the-Hill Saloon, Gibson said.
Viking in 2021 leased city-owned riverfront property adjacent to ACL’s spot, but that section at lower Silver Street can only accommodate ACL boats, Gibson said. The Natchez Board of Aldermen on Tuesday voted to terminate the Viking lease. The mayor expressed hope arrangements can be made for Viking to construct a dock on the alternative site, known as the old Fulton Street landing.
Gibson noted Tuesday it’s uncertain if the cruise ships’ mooring facilities would be available for the general public’s use, but he has previously said the ACL dock would be open for people to view the river and sunsets but not for fishing.
The Mississippi River dock designs and placements are subject for review and approval by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, which regulates river structures, and the Mississippi Department of Archives & History and the Natchez Preservation Commission, which evaluate alterations to historic sites such as Natchez Under-the-Hill.
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