Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain
To: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals
SUBJECT: Notice of intent to take action within the 100-year floodplain
This document gives notice that Harrison County is proposing to conduct activities within the 100-year floodplain, as identified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMS) for Harrison County, to undertake Harrison County Beachfront Resilience Project (Project). The purpose of the proposed Project activity is for improvements to include the installation of concrete pathway above the existing seawall. This pathway will connect with the existing concrete pathway/boardwalk. The purpose of the Project improvements is to aid in minimizing sand and debris being blown onto Highway 90, which requires constant maintenance to remove. The improvements will also provide an improved pathway along the Mississippi Gulf Coast beach for residents and tourists.
The Project will be located in the Cities of Gulfport and Biloxi, Harrison County, Mississippi, south of U.S. Highway 90, generally between the US Veteran Home pedestrian bridge in Gulfport, and Pine Grove Avenue in Biloxi. The Project site is approximately 2.9 acres and located within the 100-year floodplain (Zone VE) as shown on Flood Insurance Rate Map (FIRM) Map Number 28047C0269G (effective 06/16/2009). The Base Flood Elevation (BFE) is 23 feet above sea level. Measures would be taken during construction work to ensure that construction is performed in a manner that minimizes any negative impact to the floodplain. Activities at that area would have minimal impacts on the floodplain as the project installation of a concrete pathway above the existing seawall is not expected to change topography, existing soil cover, or accelerate storm water runoff.
Harrison County is requesting the use of U.S. Department of the Treasury Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act funding for the referenced project. In deciding whether to fund the proposed project,
U.S. Department of the Treasury is obligated to follow requirements set forth by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management. This Notice of Intent is being provided in fulfillment of the aforementioned Executive order. Harrison County has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the environment.
In response to the requirement for evaluating alternatives to building/mitigating projects in the floodplain, the alternatives considered included relocating the proposed activity to an alternate site and no action.
Alternate Site Alternative
Alternate site locations were not practicable because the objective of the project is for improvements which include the installation of concrete pathway above the existing seawall.
The main purpose of the project is to minimize aeolian sand and debris from being deposited on this span of Highway 90 within the 100-year floodplain.
No Action Alternative
The adoption of the No Action alternative is a decision not to improve construct a pathway nor any dune planting; therefore, Harrison County would continue to incur repeated sand removal maintenance of Highway 90 and not provide an improved and continuous concrete pathway/boardwalk. Considering the Project location, this would be a deterrent to the County served.
Proposed Action Alternative
The objective of the project is for improvements which include the installation of concrete pathway above the existing seawall. Members of the public are invited to submit comments on the proposed activity. Additional information on the proposed activity is available for the public between the hours of 7:30 am and 5:00 pm, Monday through Thursday at the following location:
Brown, Mitchell & Alexander, Inc. 401 Cowan Road, Suite A Gulfport, MS 39507
228-864-7612
Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments for consideration by Harrison County at the above address by December 27, 2025. All comments will be considered prior to constructing the proposed activity.
