Tenn-Tom Authority Announces New Members

The Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority recently announced the election of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves to the position of chairman for 2026. The authority, composed of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee, supports the ongoing development of the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway as well as the M-65 Marine Highway corridor.

The M-65 Marine Highway is a federally designated inland river corridor that stretches from Paducah, Ky., to the Port of Mobile, Ala. It is composed of the Mobile, Tombigbee and Black Warrior rivers, as well as the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway and parts of the Tennessee River. The corridor connects to the M-10 Corridor in Mobile, Ala., as well as the M-55 Corridor in Cairo, Ill., and primarily serves to safely transport freight and hazardous material.

According to the authority, the Tenn-Tom region experienced an influx of success in the last year with high capital investments and job announcements reported within all four authority states. The authority hopes to carry these accomplishments through 2026.

“Mississippi is experiencing historic economic development momentum, and our access to the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway is a key part of that success,” Reeves said. “The Tenn-Tom – and the larger M-65 Marine Highway corridor – provide industries with efficient, dependable connections to markets across the country and around the world. As chairman, I look forward to working with our partner states to strengthen this corridor, support continued job creation and ensure long-term competitiveness for American industry.”

The authority also announced Robert Dexter, executive director of the Yellow Creek Inland Port of Iuka, Miss., as vic chairman. Nick Ardillo, former commander of the 14th Flying Training Wing at Columbus Air Force Base and former executive director of the Golden Triangle Regional Airport, will serve as treasurer.

“The Tenn-Tom Waterway is more than a transportation route. It is an economic engine and a defining asset for our region,” Dexter said. “From inland ports and heavy industry to marinas, waterfront towns and outdoor recreation, this corridor supports both commerce and quality of life. As vice chairman, I look forward to continuing to elevate the role of the entire M-65 waterway system and promoting its full value to industry, communities and visitors alike.”

Ratified by Congress in 1958, the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority is composed of the governors of Alabama, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennessee and five appointees from each state for a total of 24 members. The role of chairman rotates between governors each year. The authority describes itself as a four-state interstate compact dedicated to promoting the development of the Tenn-Tom Waterway. The Tenn-Tom Waterway, which opened in 1985, is a vital connection between mid-America and the Gulf.

For more information on the Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway Development Authority, visit www.tenntom.org.