GOMESA Application Details

Internal Project Number: 271368
1. Title of Project: Sherman Canaan Fishing Dock Improvements
2. Location of Project: 586 Bayview Avenue Biloxi, MS
3. Requesting Organization: City of Biloxi
4a. Name: Christy LeBatard
4b. Position
4c. Phone Number: 228-435-6179
4d. Fax Number
4e. Address Line 1: P.O. Box 429
4e. Address Line 2
4e. City, State Zip: Biloxi, Mississippi
4f. Email: clebatard@biloxi.ms.us
5. FundingRequested: $6,583,885
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: $6,583,885
9. Project Description/Overview: Sherman Canaan Fishing Dock serves as a docking refuge for some of Biloxi's Shrimping Fleet since 1997, housing large steel hulled shrimp boats from 65 to 100 feet in length. The ease of use and access, safer channel, reduced maintenance, and the much needed strengthening of this harbor that will be achieved through this project will be a tremendous asset not only the City of Biloxi but the shrimping industry as a whole. This project will reconfigure an existing commercial harbor to provide a more viable stern anchor system with a steel bulkhead and will be less viable to storm and collision damage than the current timber piers that are existing. The new bulkhead composed of vertical steel will add protection to the shoreline and marina as well as providing easier access. In addition to stabilizing the shoreline the project will also restore damage to natural marsh grass and vegetation along the banks east of the existing harbor. In addition to creating a working waterfront and permitting the public to interact with the shrimp vessels, the upland improvements will add functionality to the harbor. The land side improvements will include the construction of boardwalks, lighting, low maintenance native landscaping and educational signage featuring the cultural diversity of Biloxi's seafood industry. This project is designed not only to improve the functionality and resilience of the harbor but also to create a working waterfront for public access.
10. Project Goals/Objectives: The goal of the project is to improve public access, functionality and resilience to an existing commercial harbor and public dock for the benefit of the seafood industry and the general public. This will be accomplished through the following objectives: removal of debris, accumulated sediment and invasive plants; construction of a steel bulkhead stern anchor docking system upgrade; improvement of the inner-harbor maneuverability; and installation of land side improvements to encourage and support the seafood industry's and the public's safe enjoyment of the Back Bay of Biloxi Tidelands 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: This project will provide hurricane protection for the Sherman Canaan Fishing Dock by replacing the existing timber piers with a new steel sheet pile wall with stern anchor docking system. This system will be more resilient to damage from hurricane and tropical storms. In addition, this project will also include wetlands restoration on the east bank of the harbor to help improve the water quality in that area.

(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: This project is anticipated to have design complete within 9 months of grant agreement execution. All permits have been received but have expired so will need to be updated. That can be done concurrently with final design. Construction will be completed 12 months after all permits have been received.
13. Project Timing: Short-term
14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):: Other Permits have been obtained but will need to be updated; preliminary design complete 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?: An improved commercial harbor will keep Biloxi's seafood industry competitive which will provide long term economic benefits to the area. This project will promote a vibrant working maritime waterfront with on-site seafood sales which will be now feasible with the rear mooring of the vessels along the shoreline. In addition to the economic and tourism benefits, the harbor will be less susceptible to storm damage thus providing less impact/down time to the seafood industry post-storm.

16. Estimated Years To Completion: 2
17. Estimated Completion Date: 12/31/2028

Budget:

Salaries,Wages, Fringe
Travel
Architecture & Engineering: $956,635
Legal
Consulting
Construction: $5,627,250
Site Work
Equipment
Indirects
Other
Total: $6,583,885


Application Submission Date: 09/30/2025
Fiscal Year: 2027
Project Status
Application Status: Submitted
Meets Criteria
Internal Notes:
Attachments:: https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1368_COMPLETE.pdf
Hyperlink:: Attachments

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