State gives $49 million for 15 projects that enhance coastal Mississippi economy
Posted on November 16, 2022
Gov. Tate Reeves on Thursday announced 15 new RESTORE Act projects at the seventh annual Restoration Summit in Biloxi.
The projects total approximately $49 million.
“Mississippi’s economy is thriving in every region across our state, and this includes our Gulf Coast,” Reeves said. “These 15 new projects that I approved will strengthen our coastal economy and better the quality of life for those living there.”
The RESTORE Act was enacted in 2012 as a result of of the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill to help rebuild the coastal economies in Gulf states.
Reeves said the projects are chosen from proposals submitted each year.
“We’re directing funds to the areas that give us the greatest opportunity to strengthen our coastal economy and better the quality of life for those living here,” he said at a news conference Thursday in Biloxi.
Approximately $795 million already has been spent by the state through MDEQ on restoration projects across the Coast since 2012.
“There is a purpose and strategy to our restoration work,” Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality Executive Director Chris Wells said. “From ecological restoration and conservation, to infrastructure, to workforce development and tourism, there are many factors at play in each project.
“We are excited for today’s announcement of projects which directs our work towards continued and purposeful restoration in Mississippi.”
Reeves said the projects also help prepare the future of the Gulf states’ economies.
For example, Reeves praised Pearl River Community College’s commitment to its aviation aerospace workforce academy, which received approximately $2 million from RESTORE funds.
He said the future of space exploration begins in Mississippi.
“These funds will go directly to providing a concrete education for students interested in landing a career in the aerospace industry,” Reeves said.
The other projects were chosen for their contributions to enhancing the Coast.The projects include funding in two buckets. One for direct funding and the other is spill impact funding.
A long-awaited Georgetown harbor dredging project is set to begin next month, and the public will have a chance to learn details before it happens. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is partnering with Georgetown city and county leaders to host an informational session at 5:30 p.m. on June 30 at the South Carolina Maritime Museum. “Maintaining safe… Read More
The Cook Labor Government has welcomed the award of a dredging contract to Jan De Nul Australia for Pilbara Ports new Zone 5 Bypass Channel at the Port of Port Hedland. Pilbara Ports awards contract to Jan De Nul Australia to deliver the Zone 5 Bypass Channel at Port of Port Hedland Project will strengthen… Read More
Jan De Nul and Boskalis International Uruguay were shortlisted to continue in the running in the international tender to dredge the Martín García Channel, a five-year contract that seeks to ensure the navigability of a key route for regional trade. The Administrative Commission of the Río de la Plata (CARP) excluded CHEC Dredging Co from the tender due… Read More
For the next 25 years, Jan De Nul will be responsible for deepening, modernising and maintaining Argentina’s main waterway under a concession agreement that allows the company to collect toll fees from passing vessels. The company has maintained the Paraná River since 1995 and sees this new contract as a strong vote of confidence. The… Read More
SEATTLE — The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) will oversee placement of beach fill nourishment material on the seaward side of the Ediz Hook armor stone revetment in Port Angeles, Wash., starting as early as July 16. The beach fill nourishment activities, performed by contractor Glacier Environmental Services, Inc., will conclude no later than Sept…. Read More
