Billions in new contracts, businesses & free tuition. Here’s what’s coming to the MS Coast
Billions of dollars in business is headed to South Mississippi, as shipbuilders score major contracts, while a Coast city is designated the latest Mississippi Main Street community and a major Coast business is sold.
Here is the latest big news in business on the Coast:
$9.6 billion in new contracts
Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula will be awarded $9.6 billion in contracts to build four ships — one America-class and three San Antonio-class amphibious warships. The ships are LPD-33 in Fiscal Year 25, LPD-34 in FY27, LHA-10 in FY27 and LPD-35 in FY29.
“It is terrific that the Navy has made official what many of us have known for years: the future of American seapower flows through the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., the highest-ranking Republican on the Senate Armed Services Committee.
The multi-ship method of procuring warships could save $1 billion and is a cost-effective way to provide stability for the shipbuilding programs, Wicker said.
▪ Also this month, Seemann Composites in Gulfport was awarded a $39 million contract for production of composite components to Landing Craft Air Cushion 100 class craft. The work is expected to be completed by June 2027 and 75% of the production will be done in Gulfport.
New stores open
Ollie’s discount store opened Wednesday at 3501 Denny Ave., Pascagoula, near the new Aldi, TJ Maxx, Burlington, Starbucks and other stores that opened along U.S. 90.
The company website says Ollie’s is the country’s largest retailer of closeout merchandise and excess inventory, selling books, toys, clothing, housewares, hardware, seasonal items and food at up to 70% off.
▪ Coming soon is Triple B Outdoors at 10345-C Auto Mall Pkwy. in D’Iberville, selling hunting, fishing and outdoor lifestyle merchandise. It’s scheduled to open this fall.
Big and small businesses sold
▪ Rolls Royce has agreed to sell its naval-propulsors and handling business to U.S. company Fairbanks Morse Defense. In 2022, Rolls Royce spent millions to upgrade its manufacturing unit in Pascagoula, which makes propellers for Naval ships.
“We believe this transaction represents the best outcome for the business, its people and the military customers they serve,” said Adam Riddle, chairman and chief executive of Rolls-Royce North America.
Two South Mississippi businesses were sold by Marcus & Millichap a leading commercial real estate brokerage firm. They are:
▪ Dominion Apartments, a 56-unit apartment property with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, built in 2008 in Ocean Springs. This is the buyer’s first acquisition in Mississippi.
▪ Bearcat Self Storage, a five-property, 480-unit self-storage facility in Long Beach.
Pass Christian’s a Main Street
As construction of new lodging, restaurants and retails booms in Pass Christian, the city has been approved as a new Designated Main Street Community, joining seven other cities on the Coast that are designated or associated members.
“The city’s distinctive historic charm, complemented by its diverse amenities and vibrant creative community, perfectly captures the essence of what makes a downtown area a true destination,” said Chris Hinton, MMSA board president.
Bigger and better medical center
It’s been open for weeks, and on Thursday Singing River Health System cuts the ribbon on its new Vancleave medical clinic at 11700 Mississippi 57.
The new 7,808 square foot facility was built behind the much smaller clinic, which was then torn down to make way for a parking lot. The clinic is designed to serve about 25,000 patients a year and was made possible through a state legislative appropriation from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Restoration Fund.
Free college tuition through BP grant
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is expanding its no-cost, tuition-free and fee-free programs for eligible participants, thanks to the BP Restore Act Grant through Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of Treasury.
The community college is using the grant to reduce the cost of 25 credit programs to help meet the demand for high-paying jobs at South Mississippi industries.
Among the programs are: Coding, commercial truck driving, cosmetology, cybersecurity technology, heavy equipment operation, Robotics and automated manufacturing.
