Page 30 - South Mississippi Living - May, 2016

COASTNOTES
MISSISSIPPI
aquariumMississippi Aquarium has the potential
to attract hundreds of thousands of visitors per year. The iconic design will be a new landmark on our waterfront, adding a much-needed family attraction to our tourism mix.”
The mayor says the Mississippi Aquarium’s impact will be transforming in the following ways: • Attract visitors
• Be a catalyst for private sector development and job growth
• Promote and enhance marine research
• Create educational awareness “The Mississippi Aquarium will
elevate Gulfport and the entire Mississippi Gulf Coast to a premier tourism destination. As a premier destination, significant private
sector development from hotels, entertainment, and restaurants will be attracted, benefitting all of Mississippi for many years,” Hewes added. “Yes, aquariums can do this. Chattanooga, Tenn., Newport, Ky., and Gatlinburg, Tenn., are prime examples of private sector development that follows an aquarium investment.”
The aquarium expects to employ approximately 100 direct jobs for the day-to-day operation with an annual operating budget of approximately $10 million. Additionally, other indirect jobs at restaurants, hotels, and construction-related jobs will be created.
The facility’s site is strategically located in Gulfport between the Bay of St. Louis and the Bay of Biloxi. A pedestrian bridge spanning Beach Boulevard will allow easy access to and from Jones Park and the beach. The proximity of the Coast Transit Authority Center will add additional parking and access to the coastal transportation network.
Plans for Mississippi Aquarium revealed
story by Lynn Lofton photo courtesy of City of Gulfport
Although the groundbreaking is a year away, local officials are touting
the Mississippi Aquarium as an iconic landmark symbolizing the resilience
of the people of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Plans were announced recently with the commitment of Gulfport’s
city leaders to the facility’s continued growth and opening. Groundbreaking is scheduled for the first quarter of 2017 and the grand opening for the first
quarter of 2019. The aquarium, located on Beach Boulevard directly across from Gulfport’s Jones Park, is expected to attract 350,000 visitors annually.
“As we continue building the economic resiliency of the Gulf Coast, the prospect of a new state-of-the-art aquarium in Gulfport could not be better timed,” said Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes. “With a total project scope of more than $120 million, the
30 SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living • May 2016
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