Commissioners to determine whether to raise port elevation

GULFPORT — The Board of Commissioners for the state Port of Gulfport will decide later this month whether to move forward with plans to elevate the west pier 25 feet above sea level.

Port director Don Allee told the Harrison County Board of Supervisors the plans for elevation will continue until commissioners decide otherwise.

He said Gov. Phil Bryant has urged commissioners to finish the work as quickly as possible, which would be easier if the elevation were less.

Currently, the port is at 11 feet above sea level.

The Sun Herald reports Allee told supervisors that three of its major customers, Dole, Chiquita and Crowley, could be moved to the west pier if it’s elevated.