GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 271386
- 1. Title of Project
- Improvements in Public Areas - Protect Adjacent Natural Habitats
- 2. Location of Project
- Various public areas throughout the city including the OS Sportsplex on Highway 57
- 3. Requesting Organization
- City of Ocean Springs
- 4a. Name
- Bobby Cox
- 4b. Position
- 4c. Phone Number
- 228-875-6722
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 1018 Porter Avenue
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Ocean Springs, MS
- 4f. Email
- bcox@oceansprings-ms.gov
- 5. FundingRequested
- $4,500,000
- Awarded Amount:
- $0
- 6. Other State or Federal Funding Sources
- No
- 7a. Amount of Additional Funds
- $0
- 7b. Source of Additional Funds
- 8. Total Project Funds Amount
- $4,500,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- Many of the outdoor public spaces in the City of Ocean Springs are adjacent to or include sensitive natural habitats. The beauty of these locations makes them perfect for public use, but also increase the potential for exposure to additional runoff, siltation, and pollution. This project will address several areas of concern including the wetlands adjacent to the OS Sports Complex on Highway 57. As the area is prone to nuisance flooding, siltation from the nine (9) ballfields: 5 baseball fields and 4 softball fields. This project will provide phased installation of artificial turf throughout all 9 fields within the complex to reduce the siltation from the areas receiving the most ground disturbance.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. This improvement will result in reduced siltation from the natural grass infields from the nine (9) fields, reduced water consumption, reduced use of chemicals, reduced stormwater runoff, and the ability to maintain the fields for increased regional tourism. 2. By improving the infield areas, the city will be able to attract local and regional tournaments which will result in an increase in overnight stays and contribute to the economic health of the area. 3. The evaluation of additional public areas to identify negative impacts due to proximity will allow the city to both highlight and protect these natural areas while highlighting the importance of the natural environment for public education.
- 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 address the protection of wetlands and other sensitive habitat areas that are adjacent to or otherwise impacted by public areas. Ensuring that runoff, siltation, or the introduction of other pollutants is mitigated will both protect the areas and bring public attention to the importance of these habitats.
- (B) Mitigation of damage to fish, wildlife, or natural resources.
- Yes: The flora and fauna included in these sensitive habitats are negatively impacted to varying degrees by siltation and other factors. By implementing measures to mitigate these impacts, the inhabitants will be able to thrive to everyone’s benefit.
- (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
- * Authorize consultant to move forward with design on identified sewer system conflicts. * The first project will be implementation of artificial turf to the ballfields at the OS Sports Complex on Highway 57. The infields for all 9 fields will be the first phase. * Evaluate improvement at Hwy. 57 to determine the benefit for the remaining outfield areas. * Evaluate other public outdoor areas and prioritize by level of impact on adjacent habitat areas. * Submit permit applications for any work if required. * Advertise for construction and award contract accordingly.
- 13. Project Timing
- Short-term
- 14. Current status of architectural/engineering plans & specifications for this project (if applicable):
- In Progress 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?
- The natural charm of the City of Ocean Springs contributes to the quality of life for its residents while attracting nature and recreation based tourism. Improvements are essential to ensure continued environmental quality of the adjacent natural habitat. By addressing potential impacts created by the public spaces, both the quality of life and the natural environment are protected and improved.
- 16. Estimated Years To Completion
- 3
- 17. Estimated Completion Date
- 12/31/2029
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- $0
- Travel
- $0
- Architecture & Engineering
- $38,000
- Legal
- $0
- Consulting
- $0
- Construction
- $4,405,000
- Site Work
- $0
- Equipment
- $0
- Indirects
- $0
- Other
- $57,000
- Total
- $4,500,000
- Application Submission Date
- 01/29/2026
- Fiscal Year
- 2027
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments