GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271355
1. Title of Project: Bernard Bayou Seaway Dredge and Boat
2. Location of Project: Primary location - 11015 Reichold Road, Gulfport, MS 39503
3. Requesting Organization: Harrison County Development Commission
4a. Name: Bill Lavers
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: 228-896-5020
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: 12281 Intraplex Parkway
4e. Address Line 2
4e. City, State Zip: Gulfport, Mississippi
4f. Email: blavers@mscoast.org
5. FundingRequested: $1,950,000
Awarded Amount:
6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources: No
7a. Amount of Additional Funds
7b. Source of Additional Funds
8. Total Project Funds Amount: $1,950,000
9. Project Description/Overview: The Dredge will provide Harrison County with a versatile tool for maintaining safe navigation channels, protecting marine infrastructure, and supporting environmental management. Beyond its role in sustaining Bernard Bayou Seaway operations, the dredge will serve as a shared coastal asset—addressing shallow-draft maintenance requirements along the Gulf Coast. As the only equipment of its kind in the local area, it will strengthen resiliency, reduce long-term maintenance costs, and deliver broad economic and environmental benefits across multiple municipalities. Specifications: 6.5M excavation depth; 375HP motor at 2100 RPM; horizontal cutter suction dredger head; conical cutter suction dredger head; standard bucket 500L; flexible discharge pipe (250mm x 2 meters) and spray pipe; set of side pontoon; dredging lights; air conditioning system The acquisition of an Aluminum Boat will strengthen the Bernard Bayou Seaway's operational landscape by enabling efficient inspections, preventative and corrective maintenance, and hurricane response. The asset directly supports coastal resilience by safeguarding marine infrastructure, protecting economic activity tied to the Seaway, and enhancing public safety. By strengthening preparedness and sustaining vital waterways, the project advances long-term environmental stewardship and community resilience. Specifications: 24'x84"; 140HP motor; center console with grab bar, aluminum trailer
10. Project Goals/Objectives: 1. Maintain Safe Navigation – Ensure reliable access to waterways by removing sediment and maintaining channels for operational use. 2. Strengthen Coastal Resilience – Protect shorelines and infrastructure from erosion, flooding, and storm surge impacts. 3. Enhance Environmental Protection – Restore marine habitats, improve water quality, and support fish and wildlife resources. 4. Enable Regional Support – Provide the only dredge of its kind on the Gulf Coast, available for shared municipal and emergency use. Additionally, have access to emergency response transportation within the Seaway. 5. Improve Efficiency - Reduce reliance on contractors, while delivering a versatile dredging solution and an efficient vehicle for inspections and response.
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 Bernard Bayou Seaway Dredge and Boat will directly support coastal protection and resilience initiatives by maintaining navigable waterways and stabilizing coastal infrastructure. The dredge’s shallow-draft capabilities make it operationally suited for restoration projects, such as rebuilding channels, removing sediment blockages, and maintaining natural storm barriers. The aluminum boat’s mobility allows for safe and efficient access to areas impacted by erosion, sedimentation or storm damage - ensuring timely assessment and maintenance of coastal infrastructure.

(B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.: Yes: The assets will play a critical role in mitigating damage to fish, wildlife, and natural resources by restoring and maintaining healthy aquatic habitats. The dredge's precision and shallow-draft design allows for targeted sediment removal that improves water flow, reduces stagnation, and prevents harmful algae growth. The aluminum boat will strengthen DMR priorities by enabling inspections, monitoring, and enforcement that protect fish, wildlife, and natural resources. It provides rapid response to spills, debris, and storm impacts, ensuring compliance with conservation standards and reducing ecological disruption. This asset directly supports sustainable coastal management and long-term protection of Mississippi’s marine 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: Solicitation: Within 1 month of award Acquisition: Within 3 months of solicitation Delivery: Within 3 months of acquisition Date-In Service: Within 1 month of delivery
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: Completed Paid For

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 Bayou Bernard Seaway dredge and boat advance the Department of Marine Resources’ mission by providing versatile tools to enhance, protect, and conserve Mississippi’s marine interests for present and future generations. The dredge offers an efficient solution for maintaining navigation channels, restoring wetlands, and stabilizing shorelines, directly supporting coastal protection, habitat conservation, and storm resilience. Complementing this effort, the aluminum boat enables routine inspections, monitoring, and maintenance of waterways and infrastructure, as well as rapid response to hurricanes and other emergencies. Together, these assets improve water quality, safeguard fish and wildlife habitats, and protect critical infrastructure, ensuring Mississippi’s marine resources remain resilient, productive, and accessible while expanding regional capacity to meet both environmental and economic challenges.

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 1
17. Estimated Completion Date: 6/30/2027

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe
Travel
Architecture & Engineering
Legal
Consulting
Construction
Site Work
Equipment: $1,950,000
Indirects
Other
Total: $1,950,000


Application Submission Date: 09/24/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:: https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1355_COMPLETE.pdf
Hyperlink:: Attachments

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