Legislature will consider spending almost $30M in South MS. Details on proposed projects
The Mississippi Development Authority is proposing that the state Legislature spend $29.33 million on South Mississippi projects from a special BP oil spill fund it controls to compensate for economic damages from the 2010 disaster.
“These recommended projects reflect a strategic focus on fostering innovation, expanding infrastructure and creating opportunities that benefit both businesses and residents,” MDA Executive Director Bill Cork said in a news release. “MDA is proud to work with local leaders and stakeholders to help ensure these investments deliver lasting impacts for the region, and we urge the Legislature to approve this list of projects.”
The Legislature convenes Jan. 7 but does not appropriate funding for GCRF until the session is near its end. Lawmakers consider GCRF funding recommendations from an advisory board of business leaders, the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board and from MDA.
But legislators are not obligated to fund recommended projects and can spend the money as they wish. Legislators gave themselves broad latitude to fund economic or community development projects with the money, although the original intent was to fund projects that would transform South Mississippi’s economy.
In 2024, the Legislature decided not to fund any of the recommended projects after appropriating more than anticipated in 2023.
The funding comes from an economic damages settlement between BP and the state. Some of the money was spent before GCRF was set up in 2018. BP is expected to pay the state $477 million over 15 years, with about $30 million a year to spend in the six southernmost Mississippi counties.
Most project applications are from government entities, but nonprofits, businesses and other organizations also eligible for funding, with a 20% match required in most cases.
South MS projects recommended for funding
The 10 projects MDA is recommending, included in its news release, are listed below. More detailed descriptions of each project can be found in project applications available here.
$8 million for the Pearl River County Industrial Park Speculative Building, which has a total cost of $10 million, requested by the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors. The industrial park has received funding in previous year.
$5 million for Stennis International Airport Site 1 Hangar Development, requested by the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, which has previously received GCRF funding. The total project cost is $8.5 million.
$4,013,163 for the Harrison County Development Commission GST site, which has a total project cost of $5,016, 453, requested by HCDC.
$2,568,000 for the Pascagoula Riverfront Development, submitted by the city of Pascagoula. Total project cost is $3.95 million.
$2.5 million for a University of Southern Mississippi Research and Teaching Vessel, requested by USM’s Gulf Coast Research Laboratory. Total project cost is $18,044,271. USM projects have previously received funding.
$2,217,475 for phase 3 of Town Commons Park, submitted by the city of Gautier for continuing improvements and funded in previous years. The total project cost is $10,546,355.
$2 million for the city of Pass Christian’s Downtown Redevelopment Plan, which has a total project cost of $3.6 million and has received previous funding.
$1,029,600 for water system expansion at the George County Industrial Park, requested by the George County Board of Supervisors, with a total project cost of $1,287,000. The Legislature has previously provided GCRF funding for industrial park improvements.
$1 million for the first phase of the Tomaston Medical Park in Woolmarket. The $15,611,874 park is described as a “medical center of excellence,” requested by BEST Holdings.
$1 million for the fourth phase of the Diamondhead Commercial District, which has received funding in previous years and is requested by the city of Diamondhead.
This story was originally published December 12, 2024 at 11:54 AM.
