Mississippi city, airport awarded infrastructure grants

Two Mississippi Gulf Coast entities have been awarded $3,893,247 in federal grants for local infrastructure upgrades, U.S. Sens. Roger Wicker (R-MS) and Thad Cochran (R-MS) said recently.
 
The City of Gulfport and the regional Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will benefit from infrastructure and programming enhancements, as well as economic stimulation spurred by construction tasks at the latter.
 
“I am pleased that we are working to enhance our Gulf Coast with these federal grants, which will aid local housing developments, improve airport infrastructure and promote safety,” Wicker said.
 
Of the total grant funding, $3,005,248 will specifically upgrade the airport runway to prolong structural soundness and ensure passenger safety.
 
Additionally, $581,068 of the backing will support Gulfport job incentive programs via a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), with the remaining $306,931 benefitting a HUD HOME program to increase access to affordable home ownership opportunities.
 
“These grants are investments in Gulfport and the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Cochran said. “This funding, with its focus on economic and community development, can benefit businesses and families throughout the region.”
 
Cochran serves as chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. Cochran successfully lobbied to continue FY2016 funding for the Airport Improvement Program and CDBG, ensuring continued improvements for Mississippi. Initially, both programs faced potential cutbacks from President Obama’s budget request.