GULFPORT, MS — The Mississippi State Port Authority (MSPA) has secured a $1.85 million Clean Ports Planning Grant from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to advance its environmental goals through the “Roadmap to Emissions Reduction and Resiliency” initiative. The funding, part of the EPA’s Clean Ports Program, aims to help ports nationwide cut operational emissions, improve air quality, and engage with their local communities.
Building on an emissions inventory completed earlier this year, the grant will fund the development of a comprehensive plan to assess and implement zero-emission (ZE) technologies at the Port of Gulfport. The project will also involve community outreach, workforce planning for ZE integration, and actionable strategies to phase in clean technology. The ultimate goal is to reduce emissions and improve air quality while fostering long-term port resiliency.
“This grant represents a significant step forward in achieving the environmental objectives of the Port of Gulfport,” said Jon Nass, CEO and Executive Director of the MSPA. “It’s about more than reducing emissions — it’s about supporting the health and well-being of our community while maintaining the port’s role as a regional economic engine.”
The emissions reduction project is set to launch in the spring of 2025, with a targeted completion date of January 2028. The resulting plan is expected to lay the groundwork for future investments in green technologies, ensuring the Port of Gulfport remains a model of sustainable port operations along the Gulf Coast.
The Port of Gulfport, already a vital hub for refrigerated cargo and international trade, has undergone significant growth since completing a $1 billion restoration project in 2022. As one of the largest U.S. importers of green fruit, the port is positioned to lead by example in balancing economic development with environmental stewardship.
