VIDALIA — Vidalia officials declared a local state of emergency Wednesday morning, turning over emergency powers to Mayor Buz Craft, authorizing him to appropriate the town’s funds for flood control.

According to a forecast from the National Weather Service, the Mississippi River is expected to crest at 58 feet on March 16 at Natchez and Vidalia — which would make it the third highest crest on record.

The river reached its highest crest in 2011 at 61.95 feet, which beat the second highest flood of 58.04 feet in 1937.

The resolution to declare a state of emergency passed by a vote of 3-0 Wednesday, with Aldermen Robert Gardner and Tommy Probst absent.

Craft said his primary concern is damages caused by seepage and sinkholes.

The lowest portion of the riverfront — at the south boat ramp entrance — is protected by flood barriers built by the parish, Craft said.

“We’ve talked with Guy Murray (the Concordia Parish Director of Homeland Security and Emergency Preparedness) multiple times daily,” Craft said. “This meeting gives me the authority to appropriate any money needed, emergency wise, to protect our assets on the riverfront. That also includes our issues with seepage water. … We’re monitoring the situation daily. We need to be ready, but it’s not going to require any further action at this time.”