Mayor George Flaggs Jr. took time to commend the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and highlight its impact on Vicksburg at a meeting of the Mississippi River Cities and Towns Initiative meeting Wednesday at the Quad Cities, Illinois and Iowa.

“Their (the Corps) economic impact on our city is priceless,” Flaggs said in an address to MRCTI members, adding he considers the Corps’ presence an economic engine for the city. “I’m proud to do anything I can to assist in securing funding to keep these jobs in Vicksburg.”

Flaggs’ attendance at the Initiative meeting was the last of a series of meetings in Washington, D.C., and the Quad Cities.

Tuesday, Flaggs and other mayors from Mississippi met with White House officials and members of Congress to discuss funding for infrastructure projects in Vicksburg and state, federal and local cooperation on project.

Two of the items discussed were funding for a proposed port for the city and the Mississippi Hardware building project.

The $125 million port project is considered by Flaggs to be a key economic development project for the area. The city is seeking funds for feasibility study on the project that will also determine a site for the proposed port.

“Having access to high-level information from the White House benefits Vicksburg,” he said. “My continued relationship with the White House is important because you can’t see what’s on the table unless you’re at the table.

“I’m proud to use my 26 years of experience in the Mississippi House of Representatives and five years as Mayor to make certain Vicksburg is represented at the local, state, and federal negotiating tables.”