FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
GULFPORT, Miss. – The Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) has been awarded a $1.85 million Clean Ports Planning Grant by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to support the MSPA’s Roadmap to Emissions Reduction and Resiliency, a strategic initiative aimed at reducing emissions, improving air quality, and engaging the Port community. This funding is part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, which assists ports across the nation in reducing operational emissions.
Building on an initial baseline emissions inventory completed by the Port in early 2024, the grant will support the development of a comprehensive emissions reduction plan. The study will include the assessment of zero-emission (ZE) technologies and equipment, formal stakeholder and community engagement, and workforce planning analysis for ZE implementation. The resulting plan will provide actionable strategies for phased adoption and integration of those technologies and set goals for reducing emissions to improve air quality in the port community.
“We are honored to receive this grant, which is an important step in advancing the environmental goals of the Port of Gulfport and our commitment to reducing emissions,” said Jon Nass, CEO and Executive Director of the Mississippi State Port Authority. “The Clean Ports Program will not only help our port reduce its environmental footprint but also support the health and well-being of our surrounding communities.”
The project is scheduled to begin in spring of 2025 and will be completed by January 2028. The comprehensive planning supported by this grant will provide a blueprint for future investments in clean technologies at the Port of Gulfport, ensuring that the port remains a key economic driver for the region while minimizing its environmental impact. The MSPA’s broader goals include building long-term port resiliency, fostering community engagement, and positioning Gulfport as a model for sustainable port operations along the Gulf Coast.
To learn more about MSPA community initiatives, visit: https://shipmspa.com/community- initiatives/
For media inquiries, please contact: Hannah Milliet, Port of Gulfport’s Public Affairs Officer, at hmilliet@shipmspa.com
About the MSPA:
Established in 1902, the Mississippi State Port Authority at Gulfport is primed for growth after a $1 billion restoration project reached completion in 2022. The Port of Gulfport is centrally located on the Gulf of Mexico, with easy access to Interstate 10, excellent Class I rail connections, and the ability to service a majority of the US market within 24 hours. As one of the largest U.S. importers of green fruit, Gulfport offers a strong market for refrigerated cargo, with established weekly vessel calls from Central America and thriving domestic and international business connections.
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