Page 79 - South Mississippi Living - August, 2024

Space
Transportation History
supports approximately 1,200 jobs and has a $299 million annual economic impact on the local economy.”
The area is fortunate to have thriving ports in Gulfport and Pascagoula. The Port of Pascagoula is the largest port in the state with the highest total gross tonnage in foreign and domestic imported and exported cargo and ranks among the top 30 out of 150 ports in the United States.
“Approximately 32 million tons of cargo come through our port annually,” says Bo Ethridge, executive director. “
Pascagoula routinely sees commodities such as crude oil coming into Chevron;
wood pellets going to Japan; steel and metal coming in via Mississippi Export Railroad and shipped to Central America; lumber and plywood coming in and going to South American and the Caribbean.”
Ethridge explains that their location in the state’s most industrialized county contributes to the port's success. “Jackson County’s heavy industrial footprint is attributed directly to Port of Pascagoula’s 42-foot channels,” he said. “Deep
water access makes it possible to support companies like Chevron, Ingalls, Bollinger Shipyards, Gulf LNG, and our newest additions, Enviva and Oleo-X.”
Having access to other modes of transportation is crucial for efficient cargo movement and enhancing connectivity for both ports.
The Port of Gulfport contributes significantly to the state and regional economy with an estimated yearly economic value of $3.8 billion. It also generates $62.5 million in state and local taxes and supports about 3,600 jobs, according to Public Information Officer Hannah Millet. As one of 18 United States Strategic Seaports, the port is prepared to support the movement of military cargo. This designation, achieved in 2017, recognizes South Mississippi as an important component of U.S. military operations.
“Additionally, the Port of Gulfport exemplifies Mississippi's leadership in the blue economy, attracting blue tech innovation,” she said. “We also support research and education as the site of USM’s Marine Research Center.”
Executive Director and CEO Jon Nass says the majority of cargo
leaving the port is transported
by truck, but they often see cargo traveling through and into the facility via rail, such as cotton or rolls of paper that will then be exported to Central America. “Often these products are exported then are imported through the Port of Gulfport in the form of finished goods like clothing, textiles, or even cardboard banana boxes.”
“A top priority for the Port of Gulfport is pursuing the deepening and widening of our Federal Navigation Channel to allow larger cargo vessels to access our port, making us a more competitive option in a global market,” Nass said. “A deeper channel is crucial for our business development goals.”
Coast residents are hopeful that passenger rail service will return. Kay Kell with the Southern Rail Commission says, “We are still waiting on final confirmation from Mobile. Until that happens, we are stuck. If they commit shortly, we hope to be up and running by the end of the year. A train would leave New Orleans and Mobile each morning and return each day early evening. Times and fares are not determined at this point.”
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net August 2024 | 79