Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Board recommends projects to begin in 2026

The Gulf Coast Restoration Fund Advisory Board releases its funding recommendations for South Mississippi projects being considered for funding in the 2026 legislative session.

The 16 projects were ranked by level of priority, starting with a runway extension at Gulfport Biloxi International Airport and a revolving loan fund for regional research.

Combined these projects are set to cost $69 million.

Board members say project selection was based on several factors, including applicant readiness and alignment with regional needs.

The full list of projects includes:

1. Gulfport/Biloxi Regional Airport Runway Extension $3,500,000
2. Regional Research & Development Revolving Loan Fund $7,000,000
3. Long Beach Harbor Complex Restoration $7,000,000
4. Bollinger MS Bulkhead Rehabilitation $5,000,000
5. Memorial Hospital Multispecialty Center $8,000,000
6. HCDC I-10 & Canal Road Site Development $4,000,000
7. William Carey University Campus Student Housing $3,200,000
8. Stennis International Airport Site 1 Hangar Development $7,000,000
9. Superior Optical Facility Expansion $5,000,000
10. City of Moss Point Natural Gas Pipeline Extension $2,800,000
11. George County Industrial Park Water System $1,000,000
12. Stone County Industrial Park Acquisition and Sewer $2,500,000
13. Pearl River Industrial Park Speculative Building $8,000,000
14. Pass Christian Downtown Redevelopment $2,000,000
15. USM Research Foundation Gulf Blue Accelerator $1,000,000
16. Mississippi Songwriters Performing Arts Center $2,000,000