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NATCHEZ — Natchez Mayor Dan Gibson said Tuesday morning he is confident the recently awarded $24.57 federal RAISE grant awarded to the city in June 2024 will move forward as planned.

As part of a plethora of executive orders signed by President Donald Trump since taking office, the Trump Administration has ordered paused all federal grant awards.

The money awarded to Natchez is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity grant program. It was awarded to the city for its plans for the Forks to Freedom Corridor.

“We understand that there are concerns as are to be expected with the change of any administration. However, I am confident that our plan is a good one and will meet any scrutiny that might be forthcoming,” Gibson said.

One of the primary objectives of the grant is to improve the safety of pedestrians and motorists.

“We are one of the top tourist destinations in our state and I believe anyone looking at the plan will see that it is needed. We have already reached out to our partners, and as of now, we have been given no reason to be concerned,” Gibson said.

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, a Mississippi Republican, was one of the primary backers of the city’s RAISE grant application.

“Sen. Roger Wicker was one of the main leaders who helped make this happen as a ranking member of the Senate Transportation Committee. In fact, it was Sen. Wicker who personally delivered the good news to us when we were awarded the grant,” Gibson said. “We met with him two weeks ago and we discussed this grant. To date, he remains a stalwart supporter. Sen. Wicker is a great friend to Natchez.”