Gulfport Moves Ahead With Road Project Despite Wetlands Concerns

Gulfport is moving ahead with a $54 million road project that would give drivers another way across Interstate 10, according to a Mississippi Gulf Coast report carried by WDAM. WLOX put the cost at about $48.5 million in May.

The project would build an overpass west of U.S. 49 linking the Airport Road area south of I-10 with Daniel Boulevard to the north, WDAM reported, with an estimated wetlands impact of 98.3 acres. WLOX reported that the road would cut through wetlands in the Turkey Creek watershed.

The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality approved two state authorizations on May 12, WLOX reported, and a federal Army Corps of Engineers permit with special conditions was issued June 12, WDAM reported. The city awarded the construction contract to Cotton Creek Transport Inc. in September, with completion required by May 2029.

The Education, Economics, Environmental, Climate and Health Organization, known as EEECHO, opposes the route, favors an alternative and worries about flooding, WDAM reported. WLOX reported in July that the group was appealing the state permits. Mayor Hugh Keating said in May that concerns about flooding and water quality would be properly addressed, WLOX reported. City officials say the road would provide another hurricane evacuation route, WDAM reported.