Since late last year, leaders with the city of Vicksburg, working with the Vicksburg Warren Economic Development Partnership, have openly called for and touted the impact a new port would mean for the city, the county and the region.

Last year, Mayor George Flaggs Jr. included $25 million to fund studies, research and foundational work for such a port in his expansive capital improvement plan. The plan also called for extensive paving projects, work for the proposed art museum on the riverfront, security cameras, enhanced wireless capabilities and more.

While the capital improvement plan remains in development, and funding awaits approval by the Legislature, the city and the Partnership have continued moving ahead with the research of a new port, using funds from the Mississippi Development Authority.

Recently, the city called for proposals from firms who would conduct a market study of a new port, determining whether or not business and industry would be in a position to use it.

We know the existing Port of Vicksburg does not have the room to expand; a nice problem to have.

Because there is no room to expand, looking for a new port site makes sense. And, with the recent grand opening of Continental Tire, a new port would make Vicksburg very attractive to businesses and industries that supply the large international operation.

The recent work by the city in exploring airport expansion and improvements makes the city of Vicksburg a stronger outlet for finished products and inlet for raw materials. Add to those features an already existing rail system, and you have a city that is a true multi-modal center in a position to support economic developments through central Mississippi and northeast Louisiana.

Thanks to the work of the Partnership and the support of local officials, Vicksburg and Warren County are more competitive than ever when it comes to attracting new industries and the jobs that come with them. Investment on the part of the city, the county and work by the Partnership in building relationships with state government and economic leaders is providing early returns; returns we expect to grow.

These developments — and more that are expected — we are showing that Vicksburg and Warren County are open for business.