GOMESA Application Details
- 1. Title of Project
- Gulfport Wastewater Treatment Plan Upgrades - New Trickling Filter System & Sand/Sludge Removal
- 2. Location of Project
- North of the Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport, south of Bernard Bayou, and is surrounded by Bayou View Golf Course and residential neighborhoods in Gulfport, MS, Harrison County
- 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
- $1,725,000
- Awarded Amount:
- $0
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- No
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- $0
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $1,725,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The South Gulfport Wastewater Treatment Plant was originally constructed in 1940. While several improvement projects have since taken place, this facility still has significant modification needs to be able to handle the future flows and loads to meet the nutrient limits. This rehab/relocation project would provide the reformations necessary to meet these future flows and nutrient limits. The existing trickling filter system is well past it's life cycle and not working as needed to properly process wastewater. This project also include sand and sludge removal from the aeration basin at the north treatment plant. Currently the basin has 2 feet of freeboard left out of 16 feet and has not been maintained since 2006.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- This project has been studied by the Harrison County Utility Authority and identified as an appropriate action to rectify this deteriorating system. With the requested GOMESA funds, this project will remedy existing problems at both treatment plants while enriching the conditions of the natural environment.
- 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
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: This project will upgrade the City of Gulfport’s infrastructure in this region and develop better water quality in the environment receiving the effluent. The new updated system for the wastewater treatment plant discharge will improve the water quality in the area by aiding in restoring the level of biological diversity, habitat potential, and food present that impacts the survival of wildlife. This improved effluent will produce a healthier aquatic eco-system 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 Development of design/construction documents and permitting: October 2025 - December 2025 Bidding and award of contract: January 2026 - April 2026 Construction of project: May 2026 - October 2026
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- In Progress Funds Not 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 upgrade the City of Gulfport’s infrastructure in this region and develop better water quality in the environment receiving the effluent. The new updated system for the wastewater treatment plant discharge will improve the water quality in the area by aiding in restoring the level of biological diversity, habitat potential, and food present that impacts the survival of wildlife. This improved effluent will produce a healthier aquatic eco-system which will result in a more suitable habitat and mitigate damage to fish, wildlife, and other natural resources. Having a cleaner effluent will help protect the water quality of the Gulf of Mexico and its users. The project will also help with the treatment of increase quantity of wastewater during wet weather events. Currently during these times, the effluent meets the water quality permit but is not the highest quality the plant can meet due to overload of the treatment process. 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 wastewater and the MS4 Stormwater Program.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 10/1/2026
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $0
- Travel
- $0
- Architecture & Engineering
- $225,000
- Legal
- $0
- Consulting
- $0
- Construction
- $1,500,000
- Site Work
- $0
- Equipment
- $0
- Indirects
- $0
- Other
- $0
- Total
- $1,725,000
- Internal Project Number
- 1318
- Application Submission Date
- 07/01/2024
- Fiscal Year
- 2026
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes: