Todd Harman

The Mississippi State Port Authority's Workforce Development Plan focuses on addressing community needs by connecting local job-seekers to port-related job opportunities in the Gulfport region. Key areas of focus include implementing a proactive and effective workforce development strategy, improving communication and engagement with stakeholders, and establishing partnerships with community organizations, workforce development programs, and port-related employers. The plan aims to enhance community knowledge about available jobs, required skillsets, and resources for skills attainment, while also promoting trade labor as a viable career option.

The meeting included approving cash requests to MSPA and payments to various entities including Anchor QEA, Atkins, Atwell & Gent, CH2MHill, Dan Hensarling, J.O. Collins, L&A Contracting, Necaise Brothers, Neel Schaffer, Inc., RFB, LLC, QES, Volkert, Inc., Wharton Smith and Eley, Guild, Hardy Architects. An executive session was held to discuss a legal matter (pending litigation) and a real estate matter (a lease negotiation).

The meeting included discussions on disbursements, license renewals, and progress payments. Requests for cash were presented and voted on separately. There was also a discussion regarding a draft agreement with NOAA for surveying the federal channel and turning basin in the event of a severe weather event, with considerations for an RFP. Updates were provided on restoration engineering, the 30th Avenue project, and the Sphere Improvement Project. Port staff addressed the impact of COVID-19 and preparations for potential storms. The meeting concluded with commissioner comments and a need for an executive session on legal and personnel matters.

The meeting included the approval of Resolution No. 19-08 regarding the dedication and naming of the Center for Ocean Enterprise for U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.

The meeting addressed various topics, including perimeter fencing plans and the MS Sound Historical Foundation's Schooner Project. The board discussed and approved travel requests, disbursements, and Port User Licenses. Progress payments were approved for several entities. Old business included the authorization of an RFP for mobile harbor crane #42 and amendments to task orders with various companies. New business involved approving a task order with Eley Guild Hardy Architects, authorizing advertisement for the West Pier Construction -- Phase 3 package, a 5% rate increase for the MS State Pilots' Association, and advertisement for various services. The meeting also covered a port restoration update and operations report, highlighting maritime activity and railcar/TEU counts. An executive session was held to discuss legal matters.