GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271329
1. Title of Project: D'Iberville Working Waterfront and Commercial Seafood Harbor
2. Location of Project: Interstate 110 at Bayshore Drive, D'Iberville, MS, 39530. Coordinates: 30.424749, -88.894105
3. Requesting Organization: City of D'Iberville
4a. Name: Bobby Weaver
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: 228-392-7966
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: 10383 Auto Mall Pkwy
4e. Address Line 2: P.O. Box 6519
4e. City, State Zip: D'Iberville, Mississippi
4f. Email: bweaver@diberville.ms.us
5. FundingRequested: $2,000,000
Awarded Amount:
6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources: Yes
7a. Amount of Additional Funds: $14,000,000
7b. Source of Additional Funds: GOMESA, Tidelands, House Bill 1353, RESTORE
8. Total Project Funds Amount: $25,000,000
9. Project Description/Overview: The Working Waterfront and Commercial Seafood Harbor project is designed to enhance D'Iberville's commercial seafood industry by constructing a new marina and a dedicated hub for the sale and distribution of locally harvested seafood. This transformative development will also feature complementary landside amenities aimed at stimulating private sector investment and economic growth. Rooted in the City of D'Iberville's Citizens' Master Plan (2006), this initiative builds on the successful implementation of other major components such as the open-air farmers market and casino resort. The working waterfront and seafood harbor will further advance that vision—expanding the city’s tax base, generating jobs, and attracting sustained private investment. In addition to its economic impact, the project will create a vibrant public space designed for social gatherings, community festivals, retail offerings, and food service, helping to foster a strong sense of place and civic identity. Planned improvements include a commercial marina and breakwater, bulkheaded working waterfront, shoreline boardwalk, waterfront plaza, and a multi-use pavilion for events and office space. All development will be carried out in compliance with environmental regulations, with minimal anticipated impacts.
10. Project Goals/Objectives: The primary objective of the Working Waterfront and Commercial Seafood Harbor project is to drive economic development in downtown D'Iberville by enhancing infrastructure that supports the seafood industry and expanding public access to the waterfront for recreational and cultural uses. Phase 2 specifically aims to complete final planning and design for all project components, undertake necessary dredging operations, and construct the new marina. This project is aligned with the City of D'Iberville's 2015 Comprehensive Plan and directly advances several of its strategic goals: - Maximize the return on public investment by leveraging existing municipal service facilities and infrastructure. - Establish a dynamic regional destination within the downtown area that serves as a hub for retail, entertainment, and cultural activity. - Revitalize D'Iberville's southern shoreline by promoting targeted redevelopment and reinvestment. - Catalyze economic development in proximity to the historic district and emerging French Market District, fostering a vibrant and walkable waterfront community.
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 Working Waterfront meets the GOMESA requirements through restoration and hurricane protection of D'Iberville's boating infrastructure. This project will be implemented using a higher level of design and engineering through use of larger timber components, stronger bracket connectors, flow-through decking and relocation of site utilities above the base flood elevation. This higher level of storm-resistant design is in response to stronger and more frequent storm events associated with coastal wetland losses along the Back of Biloxi Bay and the Gulf of Mexico shorelines.

(B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.: Yes: The living shoreline and breakwater components of the Working Waterfront will increase the ecological health of the D'Iberville shoreline by providing new habitat for fish and marine animals, which is an authorized use of GOMESA funds. By increasing the natural process of shoreline functions and habitat creation, the Working Waterfront could mitigate damage to fish and marine animal populations resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster.

(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: July 2026 – Complete design plans August 2026 – Bid Construction of Phase 1 of project January 2027 – Enter into a construction contract with awarded bidder June 2027 – Make an offer on the adjacent parcel for Marina expansion August 2027 - Acquire additional parcels of land October 2027 - Bid Phase 2 of construction February 2028 – Complete Phase 1 construction January 2029 - Enter into construction contract for Phase 2 with awarded bidder December 2029 - Complete Phase 2 construction
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: Other Waiting on funding 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?: The D'Iberville Working Waterfront project directly supports the goals and objectives of the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) by enhancing public access to marine resources, strengthening coastal resilience, and conserving Mississippi's marine heritage for future generations. By reinforcing and expanding the city's existing marina facilities, the project ensures continued and safer public access to the Back Bay of Biloxi and the Gulf of Mexico. The integration of advanced engineering and elevated design standards—funded in part by GOMESA—will help protect vital boating infrastructure from the increasing threats posed by storm events and climate change. The project also incorporates a new breakwater structure and living shoreline, both of which serve dual purposes: improving boat safety and mooring conditions, while also restoring critical fish habitat and supporting the ecological productivity that defines Mississippi's coastal identity. Additionally, the proposed event center and pavilion will celebrate and sustain the region's fishing and seafood culture by integrating a seafood market component into the heart of D'Iberville's emerging downtown. By creating designated spaces for seafood retail and dining, the project establishes a direct "sea-to-table" pipeline, supporting local fishermen and delivering high-quality Mississippi seafood to the public. This project also advances Goal D: Coastal Resiliency from MDMR's 2019–2023 Strategic Plan, specifically addressing Objective D1: “Provide enhancements for coastal communities, ecosystems, and economies to become more resilient to coastal hazards.” Through this multifaceted approach, the D'Iberville Working Waterfront project not only honors the traditions of Mississippi's coastal communities—it also secures their future.

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 2
17. Estimated Completion Date: 6/30/2027

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe
Travel
Architecture & Engineering
Legal
Consulting
Construction: $2,000,000
Site Work
Equipment
Indirects
Other
Total: $2,000,000


Application Submission Date: 06/27/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:
Hyperlink:: Attachments

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