Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport clearing land for economic development

The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport is in the process of clearing land to make way for economic development related to aerospace industry expansion on the coast.

The project site off John Hill Boulevard is approximately 126 acres of land.

The development comes as the airport wants to allow the coast and the state to be a competitor for businesses in aerospace and aviation-related industries.

Potential businesses would specialize in aviation management, flight testing, maintenance, and repair overhaul industry.

Executive Director Clay Williams says the project allows these potential businesses access to an airport for their development.

“So you do have to have available sites, so you can compete. This is aerospace defense related industries are highly sought after all over the United States. And so for us, we felt like one we have a very good locale here in Gulfport. We’re approximately two and a half three miles from Interstate 10,” said Williams. “We’re also two and a half three miles from the port of Gulfport. So if you look at it from a logistics standpoint, you’ve got easy access.”

The airport says the timetable for preparation of the site will be complete by late spring/early summer of this year to start searching for businesses to enter the area.