Maritime Research: Gulfport
Gulfport Breaks Ground for Marine Research Center
Governor Phil Bryant joined the Mississippi State Port Authority and the University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Ocean Science and Technology for a ceremony November 14 celebrating the beginning of construction of a Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport.
"The groundbreaking for USM’s new Marine Research Center at the Port of Gulfport is an exciting step toward the enhancement of the University’s impressive R&D portfolio. The facility will play a significant role in growing Mississippi’s Blue Economy, which is a strong economic driver for the Gulf Coast region and the entire state," said Gov. Phil Bryant. "I congratulate the leadership of the Mississippi State Port Authority and USM on this milestone event and look forward to visiting this state-of-the-art research center once construction is complete."
Encompassing nearly 18,000 square feet of space, two-story building will be the principal marine operations and support facility for university’s oceanographic research. It will house administrative offices, classrooms, laboratories and storage areas. It will be an extension of the school’s 135-foot oceanographic research vessel, R/V Point Sur, which is currently homeported in Gulfport.
The timetable calls for construction to be completed by first quarter 2018.
"This is an opportunity for us to continue our diversification efforts and further develop a partnership that is a direct result of the state’s investment in the Blue Economy," said Port Authority CEO Jonathan Daniels. "The Port of Gulfport is merely a vehicle for the vision USM has put forth. Through their leadership, the port, along with the City of Gulfport, will serve as the epicenter of oceanographic research in the Gulf of Mexico."
Governor Phil Bryant with officials from the Port of Gulfport and The University of Southern Mississippi at the November 14 groundbreaking for the Marine Research Center
Photo/Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport