Controversial road project moving ahead in Gulfport. Here’s what to know
A Harrison County judge has cleared the way for Gulfport to take wetlands acreage from a conservation trust to build the long-contested Interconnecting Gulfport road. In addition, a state permit hearing will be held this month as residents and environmental groups continue their fight against the project.
Here are key takeaways:
Judge Robin Midcalf ruled that Gulfport can acquire the wetlands property for $157,169 from the Land Trust for the Mississippi Coastal Plain, which originally received the land through a conservation grant.
The plan extends Airport Road west of U.S. 49 with an overpass over Interstate 10 connecting commercial areas, including the Gulfport Premium Outlets.
A 2017 Mississippi Department of Transportation study scored alternative routes higher and raised questions about the project’s wetlands impact and ability to ease traffic congestion.
Residents in Turkey Creek and Forest Heights warn the road will cause flooding and degrade water quality in a watershed the EPA classifies as an Aquatic Resource of National Importance.
A community bus trip is planned May 12 to Jackson, where the MDEQ Permit Board will consider water quality certification and a stormwater permit for the project.
In a 2022 Sun Herald reader survey, 61% of more than 300 respondents said they feared the project would not protect nearby Black neighborhoods from flooding or other environmental harm.
The summary points above were compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists. The source reporting referenced above was written and edited entirely by journalists.
