More than $44 million has been approved for 15 new RESTORE Act projects that will take place on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast.
When implemented, these projects will add more than $44 million to the total of more than $227 million worth of restoration projects that have been approved during Governor Tate Reeves’ administration.
“These projects will make our Gulf Coast an even better place to live, work, and raise a family,” Reeves said. “Attracting new visitors, enhancing our coastal habitats for fish and wildlife, and improving our infrastructure are critical to improving quality of life and further bolstering Mississippi.”
The new projects include the revitalization of the Hancock County Fairgrounds, improvements to the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, a scenic trail along the Pascagoula River, an artificial reef project, and a coastal education program for Mississippi high schools.
Each project will be managed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality through its Office of Restoration.
“Seeing the economic and environmental impacts of these projects on our beautiful coast is one of the most rewarding parts of my job,” MDEQ Executive Director Chris Wells explained. “And for each project, there are so many peripheral and indirect impacts that can’t necessarily be seen but are certainly there and are just as important as the direct impacts.”
The projects include the following:
RESTORE Act Direct Component Funding (Bucket 1):
- Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport Construction Rehabilitation and Overhaul Facility ($6.6 million) – to construct an aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility and apron.
- Hwy 609 Washington Street Gateway Phase II ($5.5 million) – to construct pedestrian-friendly features including sidewalks, a crosswalk, and a landscaped median under Phase II from Old Fort Bayou to Highway 90.
- Point Cadet Marina Improvements Phase II ($5.5 million) – for improvements to the Point Cadet Marina to stimulate additional economic activity and redevelopment.
- Hancock County Fairgrounds Revitalization ($3.5 million) – for enhancement of site amenities.
- The Kiln Utility District and Fire District Kapalama Road Water Improvements ($1.9 million) – improvements to meet current and future water demands.
- Mass Audience Safety and Security Technology ($1.8 million) – to implement transformational security improvements to the Mississippi Gulf Coast Coliseum and Convention Center.
RESTORE Act Spill Impact Component Funding (Bucket 3):
- Addition of Interactive Exhibit ($4.5 million) – at the Mississippi Aquarium for education and tourism.
- Pascagoula River Scenic Trail ($2.7 million) – to establish a blueway and recreational improvements along the Pascagoula River for nature-based tourism.
- Classrooms and dormitories for the Center for Marine Education and Research ($2.7 million) – to construct dormitory and classroom facilities to promote teaching and research at the Institute of Marine Mammal Studies.
- Working Waterfront and Commercial Seafood Harbor Project Phase II ($2.2 million) – supports the development of a working waterfront in D’Iberville.
- KHSA Taxilane Sierra Extension ($1.9 million) – to extend Taxilane Sierra at Stennis International Airport to allow for increased capacity and economic development.
- One Gulf One Goal Artificial Reef Project ($1.9 million) – to construct artificial reefs.
- Coastal Education Program in Mississippi High Schools ($1.32 million) – to enhance environmental science programs related to marine ecosystem education.
- Invasive Species in Water ($1.1 million) – to reduce and remove invasive species in coastal waterbodies, marshes, and estuaries.
- Natural Gas Improvements ($1.1 million) – City of Waveland to replace natural gas line.
Today we announced 15 new RESTORE projects totaling over $44 million that will be invested into our Gulf Coast.
They will help to attract new visitors, enhance our coastal habitats for fish and wildlife, and improve our infrastructure! pic.twitter.com/rsDQVWTDG6
— Governor Tate Reeves (@tatereeves) October 19, 2023
