GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 271380
- 1. Title of Project
- Western Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion
- 2. Location of Project
- 14100 Hwy. 90 Pearlington, MS 39572
- 3. Requesting Organization
- Hancock County Utility Authority
- 4a. Name
- David C. Pitalo
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-216-5266
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 401 Gulfside Street
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Waveland, Mississippi
- 4f. Email
- dpitalo@hcua.ms.gov
- 5. FundingRequested
- $12,000,000
- 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
- $12,000,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The Hancock County Utility Authority (HANCUA) is requesting funding for a wastewater treatment improvement and expansion project at the Western Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility (WRWWTF) to increase wastewater treatment capacity to accommodate additional anticipated flows within the Port Bienville (PBIP) and the Pearlington Water and Sewer District (PWSD) service area.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. Provide increased wastewater treatment capacity and improved treatment capabilities to accommodate projected residential and industrial customer growth. 2. Increased treatment capacity and improved treatment capabilities will lessen the probability of environmental impacts to surrounding streams, bayous, rivers and the Mississippi.
- 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 project will result in providing improvements necessary for reduction of the possibility of unsatisfactory wastewater discharge impacts to coastal wetland areas adjacent to the Mississippi Sound.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: The project will help to ensure improved water quality to the surrounding receiving water bodies, as well as, reduction of possible threats from potential discharge of unsatisfactory treated wastewater due to a variety of circumstances which could occur, and result in negative impacts to fish, wildlife and 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.
- Yes: Improved capabilities to receive and adequately treat additional planned and expected amounts of wastewater, resulting in reduced probability and unsatisfactorily treated discharge into the environment and waterways. The proposed capacity and treatment improvements at the Western Regional WWTF will provide for advanced treatment prior to discharge of the treated effluent. The improved treatment facility will have ample available capacity to accept additional wastewater flows and to provide advanced levels of treatment well within the limitations of the facility's NPDES permit limits.
- 12. Project Timetable/Milestones
- FROM AWARD AND AVAILABILITY OF FUNDS: MONTH 0 - 6: Permitting and Environmental Review MONTH 7 - 14: Engineering Design Phase, Plan Review, Comments and Approval by MDEQ MONTH 15 - 18: BID Phase, Award Construction Contract and Issue Notice to Proceed with Construction MONTH 19 - 36: Construction, Start-Up and Project Close Out Phases Assuming award and availability of funds in July 2026, project completion will be June 2029.
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- Other Prelim Eval 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?
- 1. The proposed expansion of the Western Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility represents a logical and attainable next phase of infrastructure investment for Hancock County. The concept provides a practical means to expand existing treatment capacity while leveraging established assets and site conditions. By increasing the facility's capacity from 0.2 MGD to 0.5 MGD, the project will strengthen wastewater reliability for the surrounding communities and provide immediate, marketable capacity for future industrial users at Port Bienville Industrial Park. 2. Completion of this project will provide Hancock County Utility Authority with a flexible and expandable treatment facility capable of supporting long-term growth and economic development throughout the western portion of the county. When combined with the County's ongoing coordination with the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission and other local partners, this initiative demonstrates a continued commitment to providing sustainable, resilient infrastructure that supports industrial recruitment, environmental stewardship, and community progress along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 3
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 6/30/2029
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- Travel
- Architecture & Engineering
- $1,520,000
- Legal
- $50,000
- Consulting
- Construction
- $10,430,000
- Site Work
- Equipment
- Indirects
- Other
- Total
- $12,000,000
- Application Submission Date
- 10/14/2025
- Fiscal Year
- 2027
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa_internal/attachments/GOMESA_1380_COMPLETE.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments