GOMESA Application Details
- 1. Title of Project
- Courthouse Road Boat Launch and Jetties Improvements Mitigation Project
- 2. Location of Project
- Courthouse Rd south of Hwy 90, Gulfport MS
- 3. Requesting Organization
- City of Gulfport
- 4a. Name
- Billy Hewes
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 2288685810
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- P.O. Box 1780
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Gulfport, MS 39502
- 4f. Email
- bhewes@gulfport-ms.gov
- 5. FundingRequested
- $1,200,000
- Awarded Amount:
- $0
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- Yes
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- $1,400,000
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- Tidelands
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $2,600,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The proposed project will extend the existing Courthouse Rd jetty to prevent or reduce repetitive accumulation of sediment in the boat launch channel and around the fishing pier. The repeated buildup of sediment in the boat channel results in the boat launch channel having to be dredged every few years to maintain the minimum depth for regular boat traffic. Siltation around the fishing pier reduces fishing opportunities.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- The objective is to reduce or eliminate regular maintenance dredging that is required every few years to maintain the minimum depth for regular boat traffic and to maintain fishing opportunities around the fishing pier.
- 11. Which of the following authorized uses set forth in the GOMESA Act does this project fall under?
- (A) Projects and activities for the purpose of coastal protection, including conservation, coastal restoration, hurricane protection, and infrastructure directly affected by coastal wetlands losses
- Yes: The existing jetties will be extended and modified to better protect the boat launch channel and fishing pier against siltation.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: This project will improve water quality in the area by removing nutrient-rich sediments, removing toxic substances, reducing rooted aquatic plant growth, removing silts with petroleum-based products from the boat launch, and lessening sediment suspension by winds and waves. The dredging will remove any debris, trash, and other materials that deposited in the Mississippi Sound within the boat launch area. The removal of this dredged material will produce a healthier aquatic ecosystem which will result in a more suitable habitat and mitigate damage to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources.
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- Notice to Proceed: October 2025 Obtain project permits: October 2025 - January 2026 Development of design and construction documents: October 2025 - January 2026 Bidding and award of contract: February 2026 - April 2026 Construction of project: May 2026 - September 2026
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- In Progress Funds Budgeted
- 15. In what way does this project meet the goals and objectives of the Department of Marine Resources, which includes enhancing, protecting and conserving the marine interest of Mississippi for present and future generations?
- This project will improve water quality in the area by providing protection to the boat launch channel from invasive sediment build up that clogs the channel. Related dredging work will remove any debris, trash, and other materials that deposited in the Mississippi Sound within the boat launch area. The removal of this dredged material will produce a healthier aquatic ecosystem which will result in a more suitable habitat and mitigate damage to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. This project will also aid the City of Gulfport with planning and costs of compliance with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) regulations related to the MS4 Stormwater Program. The project will also assist the City of Gulfport with future dredging maintenance costs of the boat launch and provide protection from hurricanes and erosion.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 9/1/2026
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $0
- Travel
- $0
- Architecture & Engineering
- $100,000
- Legal
- $0
- Consulting
- $0
- Construction
- $1,100,000
- Site Work
- $0
- Equipment
- $0
- Indirects
- $0
- Other
- $0
- Total
- $1,200,000
- Internal Project Number
- 1315
- Application Submission Date
- 07/01/2024
- Fiscal Year
- 2026
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes: