This MS Coast city debated a new beach path for months. What’s the latest?
Ten months after debate first erupted over plans to build a new beach path in Pass Christian, city leaders who are largely skeptical of the idea say the project appears to be over.
Mayor-elect Kenny Torgeson and several members of the incoming Board of Aldermen said this week the project is not a priority and is unlikely to continue as planned.
The new board will not make a final decision until after taking office July 1. But rejecting more construction would mean $2.8 million in federal grant money awarded by the Department of Marine Resources for the project’s second phase would return to a general fund, said Joe Spraggins, the agency’s executive director. The state Legislature would then decide how to use it.
It could also mean the plan for a 10-foot sidewalk and short wall will not extend from Bay St. Louis to Biloxi as first planned. But Spraggins said Pass Christian would face no consequences if it rejects the money.
“I’m not going to hold it against the city,” he said. “That’s totally up to them.”
Construction began last summer and quickly led to controversy. Supporters said the new design would protect pedestrians, stop sand from blowing on U.S. 90 and protect aging infrastructure from hurricanes. Others called it an eyesore that would limit beach access and cover the seawall that has endured for almost a century.
Part of the project has already been built in Pass Christian, and a short section also exists in Biloxi. Spraggins said more construction will next start in Gulfport and other areas of Biloxi. The design is expected to expand across Harrison County in the next five years.
Torgeson, Pass Christian’s alderman-at-large who defeated incumbent Mayor Jimmy Rafferty this spring, has long opposed the project. Alderman Kirk Kimball said this week there is “no real appetite” to bring the issue up again. Victor Pickich, the incoming alderman-at-large, also said it was unlikely the city would move forward. And Barry Dreyfus, who was elected to the board this year, said he was unsure where he stands but noted “significant opposition” to the current design.
Harrison County Supervisor Marlin Ladner said the county has no plans to step in if the city does not move forward. Torgeson said he would discuss the issue with the board and decide in the next month.
“As far as I know right now, we’re not moving forward with any other phases of the seawall,” he said.
Spraggins said he will give the city a year to decide whether to accept funding for further construction, which costs up to $2 million per mile.
It is unclear when work will start in other cities because the project is paid for by GOMESA funds. State leaders this year declined to approve new projects from the fund until the next legislative session.
This story was originally published June 18, 2025 at 11:28 AM.