The Mississippi Development Authority is organizing a series of workshops to help guide communities and organizations through the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund grant application process. GCRF provides funding for projects that support economic growth and development in Mississippi’s Gulf Coast region.
Mississippi reached a $750 million settlement with BP in 2016 following the Deepwater Horizon oil spill. The state received an initial payment of $150 million and continues to receive $40 million annually from 2019 through 2033, with $30 million allocated to GCRF each year. These funds support economic growth and development in the state’s six coastal counties: George, Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River and Stone.
The workshops will cover topics related to the GCRF application portal, including recent updates and application requirements. Participants also will have the opportunity to ask questions and receive guidance about their project proposals. The workshops are open to local governments, nonprofit organizations and other eligible entities interested in applying for GCRF funding.
The in-person workshops will be held at various locations across the Gulf Coast. The schedule is as follows:
Monday, July 6
- 9 a.m. – Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission, Multipurpose Room, 7250 Stennis Airport Road, Kiln
- 2 p.m. – Knight Nonprofit Center, Hancock Whitney Room, 11975 Seaway Road, Gulfport
Tuesday, July 7
- 9 a.m. – George County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, 329 Ratliff Street, Lucedale
- 2 p.m. – Jackson County Board of Supervisors Meeting Room, 2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula
Wednesday, July 8
- 9 a.m. – Stone County Economic Development Partnership, 115 Hatten Avenue East, Wiggins
- 2 p.m. – Pearl River County Extension Office, 835 MS-26, Poplarville
Applicants can access the GCRF application portal at mississippi.org/gcrf. To register for a workshop, visit https://cvent.me/Eq9mvg.
For more information, contact MDA Business Incentives Bureau Manager Sarah Wright at (601) 359-2058 or swright@mississippi.org.