The evolving role of rural river ports as strategic economic development actors

The mission of seaports and river ports have evolved, over time, reflecting greater consideration of economic development. This changing role has been examined through analyzing port authorities in metropolitan regions as they diversify into urban development, but research on the changing role of rural river ports is nascent. Based on a project funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation, this article explores the sixteen public ports in the rural U.S. State of Mississippi to shed light on how rural port authorities can operationally better support economic development efforts. These public agencies, which have traditionally focused on moving non-containerized cargo, are now diversifying into economic development. To be successful at improving rural livelihoods, rural ports need to work closely with the economic development community, but in different ways than urban ports. Their governance, financing, marketing, planning, and collaborative efforts need to adapt to be successful.