Posted on November 11, 2026
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The Harrison County Board of Supervisors voted Monday to move forward with the Hurricane Zeta Outfall Repair Project, one of three major projects underway along the county’s coastline.
The projects are aimed at restoring and replenishing the shoreline, including for native wildlife. Work is visible along Highway 90.
A beachgoer said the work has been noticeable.
“We’re watching them expand the beach, which is real nice,” the beachgoer said. “They cleaned it up and they keep it clean, too.”
Sand replenishment
Sand is being added to the shoreline through the Federal Mississippi Coastal Improvements Program, which is structured by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Trey McKnight, Harrison County Sand Beach director, said it has been more than 20 years since a full-scale dredge like this one.
“It’s the first time for a lot of people to see it, and it’s been a long time since people have seen it the way it is now,” McKnight said. “We’ve got a federal contractor that is on the beach now. They should be right in between Biloxi and Gulfport around the Debuys Road. They are dredging sand from the Mississippi Sound onto the beaches to replenish it back out to that original footprint of about 200 feet from the seawall.”
Dune restoration
The second project is the restoration of sand dunes. Nearly 2 million plants, representing four species, are being planted across more than 400 dunes.
The plants will trap sand, allowing the dunes to grow naturally over time. The dunes will eventually help protect the coastline and improve habitat for wildlife, including migratory birds.
Crews also are considering sea turtle nesting habits when designing the dunes, including how nearby streetlights could affect hatchlings trying to find their way to the water.
Hurricane Zeta Outfall Repair Project
The third project is the locally managed Hurricane Zeta Outfall Repair Project. About 70 drainage outfalls that carry stormwater from roads to the beach are being repaired following hurricane damage.
McKnight said the timing of the repairs coincides with the sand project.
“It works out well because it’s in conjunction with their nourishment project,” McKnight said. “So you’re able to pump in and dredge new beach, but you’re also getting to, you know, repair the old bones under it.”
The outfall repair project costs about $5.3 million. Through FEMA and MEMA funding, the county expects to be reimbursed for 95% of eligible costs.
