22
Tracy:
The Mississippi State Port Authority is undertaking
a process to rebuild and restore the damage to its
facilities wrought in 2005 by Hurricane Katrina. Can you
tell me about the projects that are currently underway at
the Port of Gulfport concerning the Restoration Project?
Jonathan:
For the primary component of this reconstruction
and restoration project, we have added an additional 84
acres of property and are constructing nearly 300,000 square
feet of transition and warehouse space to include climate
control operations.
The Port is also evaluating options to construct freezer
storage capacity within the new warehouse. This will allow
the Port the opportunity to work with poultry producers
within the state to resurrect poultry shipments that were
From the ports on the Gulf of Mexico, to our Mississippi River and Tennessee-Tombigbee Waterway
Ports, WTC Mississippi is committed to supporting the utilization of the state’s natural water resources as an
important force for economic development in the region. In a recent report from Business Roundtable, it was
found that ports in Mississippi contribute $1.4 billion to the state’s economy, provide jobs to 34,000 workers,
and pay $765 million in wages.
“The waterway system of Mississippi plays an important role in state and local economies,” said Director
of Mississippi’s Ports and Waterways, Robert Burt. “The ports support jobs, lower shipping costs, and enhance
economic development for the state.”
Executive Director Tracy Diez had the opportunity to interview Mississippi State Port Authority Director
and CEO, Jonathan Daniels. Daniels, who joined the Mississippi State Port Authority in June 2013, brings a
wealth of experience in port management, international trade, and economic development to Gulfport. The
Mississippi State Port Authority has been a member of WTC Mississippi since 2002.
IMPORT, EXPORT, GULFPORT, YOUR PORT
INTERVIEW WITH MISSISSIPPI STATE PORT AUTHORITY DIRECTOR JONATHAN DANIELS
