Q - Wasn’t there already a plan for the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport’s revitalization that was announced some months ago?
A - Yes, a plan for the MSPA's revitalization was released. However, we realized following some internal and public review that the plan failed to take into account any strategic opportunities for the MSPA’s future. We’re now reviewing those strategic opportunities as well as again gathering the community’s input on the future of the MSPA.
Q - Hasn’t there been a great deal of controversy regarding the funding for the MSPA’s restoration?
A - Some have alleged that the use of federal Housing and Urban Development Block Grant money to help repair and rebuild the MSPA is a misuse of funds. A partisan group in Congress and representatives of special interests has sought to stop the State of Mississippi from using $600 million in block grant money for the MSPA, saying it was intended for low-income housing needs. The use of the HUD block grant money was approved by Congress in 2005, when the state received some $5.4 billion to help recover from the devastating storm. HUD approved the use of funding for the MSPA under the existing congressional authorization. The HUD grant money has also been used to rebuild the utility infrastructure on the Coast in addition to being used for grants to homeowners. The MSPA is a vital part of the Coast and a key to the recovery effort because residents must have jobs.
Q - Is the restoration of the MSPA resulting in the delay of home construction on the Coast?
A - Absolutely not. Programs to benefit homeowners and multi-family residential developers are well underway. The only connection between the MSPA’s revitalization and home construction is that a rebuilt MSPA will contribute to a vibrant Coast and State economy and generate jobs for residents – including home owners.
Q - Are there plans to have a cruise ship terminal built in the MSPA?
A - Cruise ships will be addressed in the business plan being developed by our consultants. The focus of the revitalization plan is centered on the MSPA’s core business, shipping. The revitalization plan to be released soon are driven by the current international shipping market trends and that of the foreseeable future.
Q - What were the number of employees prior to Katrina and how many are employed there now? What kind of employment do you anticipate with the improvements to the MSPA?
A - There were 2058 direct jobs at the MSPA pre-Katrina and currently 1200 direct jobs are available at the MSPA. We expect the direct jobs to increase to the pre-Katrina when we revitalize the MSPA at a minimum. Upon receipt of our consultants’ review of the 2007 master plan, we will have more substantial numbers.
Q - With the massive undertaking of revitalizing the MSPA, what actions are you taking to move the current and additional container traffic on/off of the MSPA by means other than truck to their inland destination(s)?
A - We are working with our engineers to mitigate further damage from containers. They have several innovative concepts that they will deliver upon completion of reviewing the 2007 master plan.
Q - I would like to say that it does not make economic sense to move the MSPA inland 2 miles. Also, who will pay to transport cargo from the docs to the storage facility 2 miles away?
A - We are working with our engineers who are reviewing westward vs southern direction. They have several innovative concepts that they will deliver upon completion of reviewing the 2007 master plan.
Q - Nowhere even in you FAQ on this site has the answer been given as to why you have to go west instead of south. The only comment you have made to this question is that you can't go south. Why not? I firmly believe that if residents can get a truthful answer to this question there might not be so much opposition to it
A - We are working with our engineers who are reviewing westward vs southern direction. They have several innovative concepts that they will deliver upon completion of reviewing the 2007 master plan.
Q - Why can't you build east?
A - We are working with our engineers who are reviewing direction of the rebuilding of the MSPA. They have several innovative concepts that they will deliver upon completion of reviewing the 2007 master plan.
Q - CH2M Hill appears to be the big winner so far for the MSPA revitalization. From what I understand the primary engineers are not from the Coast. Are local engineers going to be involved with the Program Management effort?
A - CH2M Hill is employed to review the 2007 master plan and to manage the program derived. All engineering and construction will be put out for public bid, and we hope to receive majority of responses from local companies.
Q - Is your input really important?
A - We have been spending a lot of time capturing the thoughts and concerns of the residents of Gulfport. Through this website and face-to-face meetings, the insights we’ve gathered are invaluable. We have developed a better appreciation of the community’s connection to the MSPA and the passion that residents have toward their neighborhoods. We’re committed to developing a revitalization plan that will not only be workable for the MSPA, the City of Gulfport and its residents but one that everyone will be as equally passionate about.
Q – Are there plans to return the shrimping industry to the MSPA?
A - We would like to be able to accommodate commercial fishing vessels at our revitalized MSPA facilities. It is one of the items we have heard the community request. We are talking to the Department of Marine Resources to develop a working harbor where both ships and shrimpers can be served.
Q – What will the MSPA give back to Gulfport?
A – MSPA is an enterprise agency and must operate as a business. All money derived from our operations goes back into the MSPA. Prior to Hurricane Katrina the economic impact of the MSPA is 3,200 direct jobs and indirect jobs. Those jobs result in taxes that are paid to the community in the forms of sales and use taxes, as well as, business service revenue that was over $180 million prior to Katrina.
Q – Has an economic impact study been done? How does the MSPA affect the City of Gulfport?
A - As part of the revitalization plan, engineers will examine the impact the MSPA will have on the community both from an economic and catalytic perspective. Our consultants are not just concerned with the MSPA’s property but they are looking at the development of the surrounding community as well. It is our intent to create a positive impact on the surrounding areas.
Q - How will we protect the community from containers?
A - Securing containers are a top priority in the plan to revitalize the MSPA. One of our three primary goals is to protect the City of Gulfport and its residents from containers being washed inland by future storm surges. The method chosen will be workable with the operational needs of current and potential MSPA tenants.