Under a resolution passed Monday, Warren County residents will continue to pay a .53-mill property tax in order to get shared loading facilities at the Port of Vicksburg back in shape.

The move comes amid reports that a new shipper is in a hurry to get the T-dock and crane at the E.W. Haining Industrial Center in shape.

Supervisors had agreed to the financing option – extending a 1998 bond issue as opposed to borrowing new money – in February. Under the resolution, bonds up to $2.5 million will be issued Sept. 19.

Supervisors and the Warren County Port Commission have been pressed for cash several times this year. First, it appeared the project now under way to widen the Yazoo Diversion Canal would need supplemental funds to cover the portion of its $4.7 million cost not covered by grants.

Next, the overhead crane at the port, operated under contract by Kinder Morgan, was found to need replacement and shoring up of supports.

Then, bids came in to replace the T-dock where barges are parked for loading operations and were double engineering estimates.

&#8220Katrina has really affected us, not with the wind but with the way the economy is,” said Port Commissioner Johnny Moss. The panel, on a split vote, voted earlier in the summer to accept the bid from Riverside Construction of Vicksburg, the only bid received, and try to find the money.

No bids were received for the crane replacement, which may cost $2 million and, like the canal widening and T-dock project, be supported by grants.

Board of Supervisors President Richard George said the crane project will not be readvertised until the T-dock replacement has been squared away.

State and federal grant money will pay for about half the project, which was contracted to Riverside Construction, of Vicksburg.

Board President Richard George said funds not used for replacing the crane will go to other pressing improvements to the port.

&#8220Hopefully there’ll be considerable funds left for the overhead crane in the terminal,” George said.

The prospective new customer for the terminal is a steel transhipper and, sources said, wants the facility operational in April 2008.