Gov. Bryant Announces Mississippi Phase III Projects Ready to Move Forward
Governor Phil Bryant announced today that an additional $68.9 million will be spent on
restoration projects on the Mississippi Gulf Coast as a part of Phase III of early restoration from
the Deepwater Horizon oil Spill. The full suite of Phase III projects across the five Gulf States
totals $627 million.
“This is another step in bringing back all the states affected by the 2010 oil Spill to their
original condition,” Gov. Bryant said. “I want to thank all the National Resource Damage
Assessment trustees on the great work they have done to approve this suite of projects. For
Mississippi, the $68.9 million brings with it not only restoration for our Gulf Coast, but jobs for
our coastal residents hit hard by the oil spill.”
The four Phase III projects approved for Mississippi include the Hancock County Marsh
Living Shoreline which totals $50 million, and is in partnership with the National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration. The 6 mile long shoreline barrier located in Heron Bay will be
constructed with a combination of stone and oyster shell. The barrier will help reduce erosion
of our marshes, provide a protective barrier to storm surge, and create healthy habitats for
barnacles, oysters, small fish, and crab.
“Every fisherman in our state already understands how important structures like this are
to the quality and quantity of our speckled trout, redfish and flounder,” Bryant said. “The Living
Shoreline project is the largest of all the Mississippi restoration projects to date, and will
provide many benefits to the people of Mississippi including jobs.”
The remaining three projects expand the public’s access to enjoy our coastal resources
and to support the education and awareness of Mississippians of all ages on their important
roles as stewards of these resources. These projects include the Restoration Initiatives at the
INFINITY Science Center Project totaling $10.4 million, the Pascagoula Beachfront Promenade
Project totaling $3.8 million, and the Popp’s Ferry Causeway Park Project which totals $4.7
million.
Today’s announcement brings the total to $82.5 million spent on early restoration
projects in Mississippi since 2010. Completed projects include the laying of the largest oyster
cultch in the history of the Mississippi Sound totaling $11 million, and a $2.6 million near shore
artificial reef enhancement project. Completed projects brought jobs to the Mississippi Gulf
Coast as local contractors were hired to do the work.
“The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is poised and ready to get these
Phase III projects underway as we continue our efforts to restore our Gulf Coast and fulfill our
promise to ‘Make Mississippi Whole’,” said Gary Rikard, Executive Director, MDEQ
Visit www.restore.ms for complete details about the Mississippi Phase III projects.
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