$69 Million in Gulf Restoration Projects Identified for Mississippi

$69 Million in Gulf Restoration Projects Identified for Mississippi

JACKSON, Miss. — Governor Phil Bryant today announced a proposal of $69 million in early restoration projects for the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a part of early restoration activities in the wake of the Deep Water Horizon oil spill.  Identified as “Phase III” of early restoration, this amount brings Mississippi’s early restoration total to $82.6 million.

In making the announcement, Governor Bryant stated:  “From day one after the spill, we have been dedicated to making Mississippi whole.  These four projects, which extend across the entirety of our Gulf Coast counties, are an important step in that journey.  Each addresses a critical part of restoration of the natural resource and recreational losses caused by the spill.  In whole, they will help to restore and enhance a wide array of habitat, from oyster and fish to marshes and the public’s opportunities to enjoy and better understand the intricate Coast environment.”

According to Trudy Fisher, Mississippi’s Natural Resource Trustee and the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, the four projects will be moved forward in the coming months for public review and comment, with work proceeding thereafter on projects selected after vetting through the public process.  “These projects were all identified and proposed as a result of an earlier public comment process on the Gulf Coast.  I am excited that we have achieved funding and look forward to providing the public with more detailed information in the months to come.”

According to Fisher, the four projects announced today will accomplish meaningful work in all three Gulf Coast counties.  “These projects represent a diverse suite of actions.  In Hancock County, in partnership with NOAA, we will construct a living shoreline to support habitat needs of a range of species.  Environmental stewardship will be enhanced through construction of ecological and educational exhibits at the Infinity Center.  Both Harrison and Jackson counties will see enhancement of recreational opportunities through construction of facilities and exhibits.”

The four projects are further described below:

•           Hancock County Marsh Living Shoreline (Hancock County, Mississippi). The project would provide for construction of up to six miles of living shoreline. Benefits would include reduction of erosion, re-establishment of oyster habitat, and enhanced fisheries resources and marsh habitat. Approximately 46 acres of marsh would be constructed to protect and enhance the existing shoreline near Heron Bay.  In addition, 46 acres of sub-tidal oyster reef would be created in Heron Bay to protect the shallow bay and increase oyster production in the area. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $50 million of which NOAA is funding a portion.

•           Restoration Initiatives at the INFINITY Science Center (Hancock County, Mississippi). INFINITY is a state-of-the-art interactive science research, education, and interpretive center located in Hancock County.  Early restoration funds would be used to develop interactive exhibits at the INFINITY Science Center. These enhancements would replace lost recreational opportunities through enhanced visitors’ access to coastal natural resources. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $10.4 million.

•           Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park (Harrison County, Mississippi). The project would provide for construction of an interpretive center, trails, boardwalks, and other recreational enhancements. This project would replace lost recreational opportunities by enhancing existing amenities allowing visitors to fish, crab and observe nature. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $4.7 million.

•           Pascagoula Beach Front Promenade (Jackson County, Mississippi).  Early restoration funds for this project would be used to help complete a two-mile, 10-foot wide lighted concrete pathway complete with amenities. The purpose would be to restore the loss of recreational opportunities by enhancing access to the Mississippi Sound and its natural resources. The estimated cost of this project is approximately $3.8 million.