Mississippi Today has compiled a list with 15 projects that will help to improve the economy and ecology of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. These projects also aim to sustain restoration efforts over the next decades. According to the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, these projects have been evaluated by Mississippi government officials and other non-profits. They are intended to provide education, ecological restoration, or economic development. While some projects are complete, many more are funded slowly each year. It could take several years to finish them all. These funds are different to the BP settlement money, which will pay $750 millions over 17 years to Mississippi Budget Contingency Fund for appropriation. The fund provided $150 million to Mississippi in 2016. Here’s the list: This project was focused on existing reefs in the western Mississippi Sound. It created a hard surface that oyster larvae can attach to and grow from. Over 1,430 acres, nearly 200,000 cubic yards were used to place the cultch material oysters attach themselves to. MDEQ reports that the construction phase of the project has been completed. Monitoring of the reefs for oyster growth will continue for at most six years. Mississippians can expect oyster production that is suitable for harvesting to begin within three to six year. The project created strong food chains that will improve the marine ecosystem near shore. It also enhanced the reefs. This habitat is home to small crustaceans, mollusks and juvenile shrimp, crab, and oysters. Popp’s Ferry Causeway, a 10-acre parcel of land and marsh located west of Biloxi, is also known. The park will be expanded to include boardwalks and fishing piers as well as walkways and boardwalks. There will also be a new roadway that has parking lots, and a shop for renting kayaks and bait. The land survey and geotechnical engineer have been completed. According to MDEQ, engineering and design work is now at 30%. The concrete walkway will run for two miles along the beach and Beach Boulevard in Pascagoula. There will be outdoor shower stations, water fountains, and other amenities included in the list of improvements. Construction started in June 2016 and will be finished in fall 2017. The project will add six miles to the shoreline of Louisiana, which has experienced high erosion rates. This project will also create 46 acres of marsh in the area and 46 acres subtidal oyster coral reefs. Construction work will be completed by the end, with some additional work occurring in 2017. This project will improve the road surface on Park Road and Robert McGhee Road in Ocean Springs. It will also accommodate multiple-use pedestrian and bicycle lanes. The project will install nine interactive indoor exhibits that educate the public on the Gulf of Mexico and coastal estuarine ecosystems. All exterior components (i.e. All exterior components (i.e. Tram Tours on Possum Walk Trail, Biome boardwalks, Improved Pedestrian Access, etc.) have been completed. The interior exhibits that comprise the first three galleries are close to completion. They are expected to be completed by the end the year. The project will improve the shoreline of four bays, including Grand Bay, Graveline Bay and Back Bay of Biloxi. The project is currently in the midst of field studies and design work. MDEQ invites you to submit your ideas on improving the water quality at storm-water outfalls in order to decrease their negative effects on marine life and other resources. The Beach Outfalls Challenge registration opens Jan. 9. This project is designed to increase oyster reef productivity and acreage in Mississippi, and replenish and protect oyster species. The oyster farming program will begin in April 2017. Recent announcements: The money will be used to purchase an oyster hatchery as well as a research center. The University of Southern Mississippi will operate the hatchery, which is state-ofthe-art. The Center for Hope in North Gulfport plans to boost Coast workforce development. The project will help improve the facility’s capacity. The project will provide more than $9.9million for sea turtles and dolphins. This project will also establish Mississippi State University to be a leader in marine veterinarian science.