Commission recommends variance for Keesler Air Force Base living-shoreline project
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Summary
The DMR advisory commission recommended approval of a variance allowing installation of a 1.35-mile living shoreline and rock breakwaters along Keesler Air Force Base and the adjacent VA Medical Center shoreline after staff concluded impacts meet regulatory criteria.
The commission recommended that the executive director approve a variance for a Keesler Air Force Base living-shoreline project intended to reduce erosion along the base and the adjacent VA Medical Center shoreline.
DMR staff presenter Alicia summarized the federal consistency review, describing a 1.35-mile project that would place a series of rock breakwaters and associated riprap to stabilize the shoreline. Staff described breakwaters roughly 100 feet long, 9 feet wide at the base and 4 feet tall, spacing of about 25 feet between breakwaters, a stated maximum of 8,195 cubic yards of riprap and total fill of about 1.5 acres. Staff cited Title 22, Part 23 of the Mississippi Coastal Program in their analysis and recommended the commission forward approval to the executive director.
"The staff of the Department of Marine Resources have conducted a thorough evaluation of the project and have made findings on decision factors in accordance with Title 22, part 23 of the Mississippi Coastal Program," Alicia said, and asked for a motion to recommend approval.
Commissioners discussed alternatives and monitoring: staff and commissioners noted that some locations use newer, less-conventional materials (for example, reef balls or wave-attenuation devices), but engineers may specify rock where wave energy and durability require it. Commissioners also cited monitoring from similar projects that showed marsh rebuilding and recruitment of invertebrates behind rock structures.
A commissioner moved to approve the requested variance and certify the project as consistent with the Mississippi Coastal Program; another seconded. The commission voted by voice; multiple members answered "Aye," and the motion carried.
The commission's action forwards the staff recommendation to the executive director for final administrative action; staff said project monitoring is expected annually and that additional permits or lease requirements (including a rent-exempt lease noted by the Secretary of State's office) may be required before construction.
What happens next: The variance recommendation will be conveyed to the executive director; staff indicated monitoring reports and any required leases or permits will be handled before project implementation.