GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271364
1. Title of Project: Coleman Avenue Storm Risk Reduction Project
2. Location of Project: Beachfront at intersection of Coleman Avenue and Beach Blvd, Waveland, MS
3. Requesting Organization: City of Waveland
4a. Name: Jay Trapani, Mayor
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: (228) 467-4134
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: 301 Coleman Ave
4e. Address Line 2
4e. City, State Zip: Waveland, Mississippi
4f. Email: jtrapani@waveland-ms.gov
5. FundingRequested: $5,000,000
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: $5,000,000
9. Project Description/Overview: Before Hurricane Katrina, Coleman Avenue was the commercial and community center for the City of Waveland. For the past 20 years, one of the key issues facing the City has been lack of economic re-development in the Coleman Avenue district. A major hurdle to the desired development is the increased hurricane risk of the localized area and associated FEMA flood zones and base flood elevations. The high velocity VE zones and associated base flood elevations, in addition to indicating higher storm hazard risks, result in restrictive construction requirements, limitations on development programming, prohibitive insurance costs, and untenable returns on investment for businesses and other development entities. Preliminary technical evaluations determined it is possible to provide hurricane protection and remove this hurdle to economic redevelopment of the Coleman Avenue area by revising the FEMA flood maps based on a storm risk reduction project. The approach is outlined by FEMA’s Conditional Letter of Map Revision (CLOMR) process. The recommended project includes a hybrid dune with buried flood wall; though other design alternatives are possible, and this concept may be modified based on upcoming planning and stakeholder engagement activities. It is anticipated that the project will span over 1000 linear feet, perpendicular to Coleman Avenue to ensure adequate protection from hurricane wave hazards for map revision purposes. Once the flood maps are revised to more favorable conditions, private and commercial development of vacant lots is expected to increase significantly, revitalizing the Coleman Avenue district.
10. Project Goals/Objectives: Complete engineering, permitting and construction of a storm risk reduction project to provide hurricane protection to the Coleman Avenue area, reducing storm damage and economic and related losses to existing and future infrastructure. Submit and receive FEMA approval for project certification and flood map revisions - revising zones from VE to AE, and reducing base flood elevations in the area of Coleman Avenue. Spur revitalization (new construction, development, and businesses) in the Coleman Avenue 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: Hurricane protection - the project will include structural barriers designed to reduce storm wave hazards and provide protection during hurricanes up to and including 100-yr storm events. The project will be submitted for FEMA certification for inclusion in flood map revisions to reflect the reduced risk. Coastal restoration - the project will include restoration of dune habitat that will also serve to bury the structural barrier.

(B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or 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: Technical Feasibility Evaluation: Completed Planning and Community Engagement Complete: Estimated December 2025 Design Complete: January 2027 (6 months post funding award of July 1, 2026) Permits Received: October 2027 (15 months post award) FEMA Conditional Map Revision Approval: October 2027 (15 months post award) Construction Complete: April 2028 (21 months post award) Final FEMA Approval and Map Revision: October 2028 (27 months post award)
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: Other initial technical evaluation completed 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?: In accordance with MDMR's 2020-2024 Strategic Plan: GOAL B: Marine and Estuarine Habitat. Restore, protect and conserve the marine and estuarine habitats of Mississippi using sound science and responsible regulation. OBJECTIVE B1. Protect, restore, conserve and create coastal, marine and estuarine habitat. STRATEGY: Restore beach, dune, maritime forest and marsh habitat. The project proposes to restore/create an estimated 1.5 acres of dune habitat. The dune system will be larger and more continuous than typical dune features found along the MS beachfront and provide an example project and educational opportunity related to resilient dune systems. GOAL D: Coastal Resiliency. Enhance resiliency and minimize vulnerability of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. OBJECTIVE D2: Restore and create coastal features that serve to protect the built and natural environment. The project proposes to create a coastal feature that includes a natural dune system and buried structural barrier to protect upland built infrastructure during severe storm events. The protection will reduce hurricane risk to the key downtown area, including City Hall, Fire Station, and other businesses. Additional future development in the area of provided protection is anticipated based on revisions to FEMA flood maps (as a result of the project).

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 3
17. Estimated Completion Date: 10/31/2028

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe
Travel
Architecture & Engineering: $645,000
Legal
Consulting
Construction: $4,355,000
Site Work
Equipment
Indirects
Other
Total: $5,000,000


Application Submission Date: 09/29/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:: https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1364_COMPLETE.pdf
Hyperlink:: Attachments

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