GOMESA Application Details
- Internal Project Number
- 281428
- 1. Title of Project
- Western Regional Wastewater Treatment Facility Expansion - Phase 2
- 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
- 2282165266
- 4d. Fax Number
- 4e. Address Line 1
- 401 Gulfside Street
- 4e. Address Line 2
- 4e. City, State Zip
- Waveland, MS
- 4f. Email
- dpitalo@hcua.ms.gov
- 5. FundingRequested
- $5,900,000
- 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
- $5,900,000
- 9. Project Description/Overview
- The Hancock County Utility (HANCUA) is requesting funding for Phase 2 of 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 with the Port Bienville Industrial Park (PBIP) and the Pearlington Water & Sewer District (PWSD) service areas. The existing WRWWTF currently provides treatment for approximately 0.2 million gallons per day (MGD) that discharges treated effluent to the Pearl River. To accommodate both future residential growth within the PWSD service area and potential industrial customer growth within PBIP, additional wastewater treatment capacity is necessary. The Phase 1 project will provide for approximately 50% of the needed wastewater treatment facility improvements. The proposed Phase 2 project will provide the remaining wastewater treatment facility improvements needed to increase the total wastewater treatment capacity of the WRWWTF to approximately 0.5 MGD. The project will provide for operational redundancy and flexibility, and also will support ongoing industrial recruitment efforts by providing ready and available treatment capacity.
- 10. Project Goals/Objectives
- 1. Provide available wastewater treatment capacity to Port Bienville Industrial Park in order to better compete for and obtain new industries and jobs for Hancock County. 2. Provide improved and more advanced treatment capabilities. 3. Increased treatment capacity and improved treatment capabilities will lessen the probability of environmental impacts to surrounding streams, bayous, rivers and the Mississippi Sound.
- 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 of unsatisfactory treated discharges 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
- Month 0 - 6: Permitting and Environmental Review Month 7 - 14: Engineering Design Phase, Plan Review, Comments and Approval by MDEQ Month 15 - 18: Procurement Phase, Advertisement for Bid, Award Contracts 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 2027, project completion will be June 2030.
- 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. This 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 treatmentcapacity 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 the 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 Hancock 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
- 6/30/2030
- Budget:
- Salaries,Wages, Fringe
- Travel
- Architecture & Engineering
- $882,000
- Legal
- $25,000
- Consulting
- Construction
- $4,993,000
- Site Work
- Equipment
- Indirects
- Other
- Total
- $5,900,000
- Application Submission Date
- 09/09/2026
- Fiscal Year
- 2028
- Project Status
- Application Status
- Submitted
- Meets Criteria
- Internal Notes:
- Attachments:
- https://gomesa.dmr.ms.gov/attachments/GOMESA_1428_Attachment.pdf
- Hyperlink:
- Attachments