Commission approves Biloxi Point Cadet marsh-and-island project with conditions

The Mississippi Advisory Commission on Marine Resources recommended Tuesday that the executive director approve a City of Biloxi permit to create tidal marsh, vegetated islands and a sand beach at Point Cadet near the U.S. 90 bridge.

Katie, a Coastal Resources staff member, presented the proposal and said the city requested fill of 6.51 acres of unvegetated bottoms to create tidal and emergent marsh, island habitat, a sand beach and submerged and emergent breakwaters; proposed structures would not exceed 2.8 feet NAVD 88. Patrick Mooney, agent for the city with BMA, attended the meeting and the staff presentation noted two public comments during the notice period (May 16–June 4): one asked whether recycled-glass sand alternatives had been considered, and one questioned project funding. The project funding was identified in the presentation as coming from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation; staff said no tax dollars would be used.

After evaluating the project under decision factors in the Mississippi Coastal Program, staff recommended approval with conditions. The commission motioned and voted in favor; the vote was recorded as "Aye" with no named dissenters in the transcript. The permit was conditioned on submission of an adaptive management plan for staff review prior to construction, coordination with the U.S. Coast Guard for any necessary navigational aids, and submission of a submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) survey at least 30 days before construction begins. Staff also noted that a rent-exempt lease will be required from the Secretary of State for the project area.

The presentation emphasized expected public benefits: additional nearshore habitat, storm protection for adjacent properties and increased opportunities for recreational fishing. Staff also color-coded the project footprint for commissioners during the briefing and answered questions confirming that the sand beach is intended for public recreational use and that islands would be vegetated with high- and low-marsh plantings.

Commissioners did not request additional environmental reviews at the meeting beyond the conditions listed; the item concluded with a recorded motion, second and a vote approving staff's recommendation.