American cruise lines and the city of Natchez broke ground on a new major cruise dock on the Mississippi River. The investment is described as the cruise line’s largest infrastructure project to date, according to Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson. The dock is expected to support the city’s long-term plan to strengthen Natchez as a premier Mississippi River destination and to increase the number of passengers embarking or ending journeys at the port.
Visit Natchez’s executive director, Lance Harris, said adding an American cruise line dock in Natchez is expected to play a key role in expanding economic development.
In Louisiana, the American Shore and Beach Preservation Association is recognizing the Louisiana Coastal Protection and Restoration Authority with an award for the Queen Beth’s Island restoration project off the coast of Grand Isle. The project manager said the island has changed significantly since the period immediately after the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and that millions of dollars from Deepwater Horizon spill settlement funds were used to expand an eroded five-acre rockery into a 36-acre nesting habitat. The manager also said similar restoration efforts have benefited as a result of the changes made to the island.
In Mississippi, authorities have accused nine people of stealing and destroying AT&T communication lines. The investigation reportedly began around two years ago and included multiple incidents that officials say caused significant damage to communication infrastructure, service interruptions, internet outages, and disruptions to other AT&T-related services. The nine suspects were charged with receiving stolen property, conspiracy to commit grand larceny, and conspiracy to commit malicious mischief. Investigators said they believe additional suspects may be involved and that further arrests and charges are possible.
In Louisiana’s 6th District congressional race, two candidates are exchanging allegations over residency. Republican State Senator Rick Edmonds said a complaint was filed with the Attorney General’s office alleging that Blake Miguez no longer lives in the Senate district Edmonds represents. Edmonds stated that if an investigation finds Miguez was not eligible to hold the seat, it would raise concerns. Miguez said he has owned a home in Baton Rouge since 1999 and also has a home near New Iberia, which is in Senate District 22. Miguez’s campaign responded by accusing Edmonds of living in Mississippi. Edmonds said he lives in Baton Rouge and travels to Mississippi to preach at a church.
The Mississippi River at Natchez-Vidalia is reported at 14.02 feet and falling.
