Posted on April 13, 2026
The Mississippi Legislature appropriated more than $171 million this session for coastal projects across Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties. The funding covers two years’ worth of projects after a legislative budget impasse last year blocked funding.
Here are key takeaways:
Why the large sum: “We didn’t do projects last year, so this list has two years’ worth of projects,” said Sen. Scott Delano, chair of the Senate Ports and Resources Committee.
Where the money comes from: The Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act directs federal offshore oil lease revenue to Gulf states, while the Mississippi Secretary of State’s Office oversees commercial tidelands leases. The Department of Marine Resources will manage the GOMESA and Tidelands projects.
Funding breakdown: GOMESA projects account for $152,701,468 and tidelands projects total $18,360,000.
Major projects include: Sewer rehabilitation in Bay St. Louis, a $5.4 million harbor bulkhead wall replacement in Pass Christian, a $5 million sewer utility relocation in Ocean Springs and a $5 million teaching and research vessel for the University of Southern Mississippi.
A cost-saving move: A $2 million Coastal Waterways survey aims to let counties apply for “umbrella permits” covering all dredging projects in their jurisdictions for 10 years, replacing a costly project-by-project permitting process.
Reef construction: Another $1.2 million will help build artificial fishing reefs in the Mississippi Sound, primarily for red snapper fishing.
