GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 271359
- 1. Title of Project
- Gulfport Harbor Fuel Dock & Equipment Replacement Project
- 2. Location of Project
- 855 20th Avenue
- 3. Requesting Organization
- City of Gulfport
- 4a. Name
- Jeremy Harrison
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-868-5740
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 4050 Hewes Avenue
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- 4f. Email
- jharrison@gulfport-ms.gov
- 5. FundingRequested
- $3,500,000
- 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
- $3,500,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The City of Gulfport proposes to replace the existing fuel dock infrastructure at the Gulfport Small Craft Harbor to ensure safe, efficient, and environmentally compliant fueling operations. The project will modernize aging infrastructure, improve service reliability for harbor users, and incorporate best practices to protect coastal resources consistent with local, state, and federal requirements. The Gulfport Small Craft Harbor Fuel Dock Replacement Project meets the statutory and regulatory criteria for use of GOMESA funds as defined by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR). The project advances multiple authorized purposes, ensuring compliance with federal and state guidance while providing long-term benefits to the Mississippi Gulf Coast. The potential for fuel spillage into the harbor from existing infrastructure makes this a highest priority project.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- Project Goals/Objectives • Replace deteriorated fuel dock infrastructure to meet current safety and operational standards. • Ensure compliance with the Clean Water Act, U.S. Coast Guard fueling regulations, and Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) requirements. • Improve resiliency and storm-hardening of fueling facilities to withstand extreme weather events. • Support economic development and recreational boating in the Gulfport waterfront area.
- 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 Gulfport Small Craft Harbor is a critical coastal infrastructure asset that supports commercial fishing, recreational boating, and tourism. The existing fuel dock is deteriorated and vulnerable to storm events, saltwater corrosion, and wave action intensified by wetland loss along the Mississippi Sound. Replacing the dock with storm-resilient, corrosion-resistant materials directly addresses coastal infrastructure needs resulting from wetland degradation, fulfilling the authorized GOMESA use of providing coastal protection and hurricane-hardened facilities.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: The existing fueling infrastructure lacks modern spill prevention and containment measures, presenting potential risks to water quality and marine life. The new fueling system will incorporate double-walled lines, emergency shutoff valves, spill containment systems, and fire suppression systems. These upgrades mitigate the risk of petroleum discharge and ensure protection of fish, wildlife, and natural resources, aligning with the authorized GOMESA category for environmental mitigation.
- (C) Implementation of a federally-approved marine, coastal, or conservation management plan.
- Yes: The project supports the goals of the Mississippi Coastal Program and the Mississippi Comprehensive Ecosystem Restoration Tool (MCERT), both of which emphasize resilient waterfront infrastructure, pollution prevention, and protection of water-dependent uses. By modernizing critical harbor fueling infrastructure, the project demonstrates compliance with and implementation of federally approved coastal and marine management plans.
- (D) Mitigation of the impact of Outer Continental Shelf activities through funding of onshore infrastructure projects.
- Yes: Offshore energy development in the Gulf contributes to increased vessel traffic and reliance on small craft harbors such as Gulfport’s for support services. The proposed improvements enhance fueling safety and reliability for commercial and recreational fleets, mitigating the onshore impacts of OCS activities by ensuring that supporting harbor infrastructure can operate effectively and without environmental harm.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- Upon DMR Notice to Proceed: July 2026 Obtain project permits: July 2026 through January 2027 Development of design and construction documents: July 2026 through January 2027 Bidding and award of contract: February 2027 to March 2027 Construction project: April 2027 through December 2027 Project Close out process: January 2028 through March 2028
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- Other Pending Application Approval 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?
- Alignment with MDMR Goals and Objectives The Gulfport Small Craft Harbor Fuel Dock Replacement Project directly supports the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources’ mission to enhance, protect, and conserve the state’s marine resources for present and future generations. By replacing obsolete and deteriorated fueling infrastructure with modern, environmentally responsible systems, the project reduces risks to water quality, marine habitats, and fisheries resources in the Mississippi Sound. Incorporating double-walled fuel lines, spill containment measures, and emergency shutoff systems ensures that fueling operations protect sensitive marine ecosystems from accidental discharges and contamination. The project also strengthens the resiliency of coastal infrastructure by constructing storm-hardened, corrosion-resistant facilities designed to withstand the impacts of hurricanes, sea level rise, and wetland loss. This supports the Department’s goal of protecting coastal communities while safeguarding marine resources. In addition, the fuel dock serves a critical economic function by supporting commercial fishing, recreational boating, and tourism — industries that depend on healthy marine and coastal ecosystems. Ensuring safe and reliable fueling operations helps sustain these marine-dependent industries, balancing conservation with responsible public use. Through these combined benefits — environmental protection, resilient infrastructure, and economic support of water-dependent uses — the project fulfills the Department of Marine Resources’ vision of conserving Mississippi’s marine interests for current residents and ensuring their availability and value for future generations.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 2
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 3/31/2028
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- Travel
- Architecture & Engineering
- $525,000
- Legal
- Consulting
- Construction
- $2,975,000
- Site Work
- Equipment
- Indirects
- Other
- Total
- $3,500,000
- Application Submission Date
- 09/29/2025
- Fiscal Year
- 2027
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1359_COMPLETE.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments