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October 14, 2010
Ferryboat terminal to be rebuilt
GULFPORT — The Ship Island ferryboat terminal will soon be reconstructed thanks to a $223,000 grant from the Federal Highway Administration, which was announced this morning.
The grant application was submitted through the Mississippi Department of Transportation as part of the Ferryboat Discretionary Fund Program.
The grant money will allow for the construction of a new terminal to replace what Katrina destroyed in 2005. The work is yet another piece of the much larger Jones Park revitalization project.
“This is a very important step for the harbor and the park, and for the City of Gulfport,” Mayor George Schloegel said. “We are very thankful for the hard work of Sen. Thad Cochran, Sen. Roger Wicker and Congressman Gene Taylor. Without them, this grant would not have been possible.”
The announcement was made this morning in a press release from Sen. Cochran’s office.
"Ship Island is one of the many attractions that draw people to the Mississippi Gulf Coast, and I'm pleased that this funding is being provided to improve the terminal," said Cochran, vice chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. "The terminal improvements are part of an overall MDOT program to improve transportation options on the coast."
Architects are currently working to design the new terminal and City Hall expects to have the concept drawings and other paper work complete within 90 days. Once that work is done, the city will solicit construction proposals.
Office of Public Information - rlafontaine@gulfport-ms.gov - Phone: 228-868-5782
P.O. Box 1780 Gulfport, MS 39502-1780 - FAX: 868-5800
