Port of Gulfport review finds problems

GULFPORT, Miss. (WALA) - A review ordered by Gov. Phil Bryant finds a number of problems with expansion plans at the Port of Gulfport.

The Sun-Herald reports that one is that the state port doesn't have long-term leases with four current tenants that will operate on the expanded West Pier.

The consulting firm R.J. Johns & Associates also criticizes the lack of a public-private partnership with tenant DuPont. The review says a "considerable investment" will be needed to serve DuPont on the expanded West Pier.

Johns also says there won't be any economic development return from a $100 million-plus investment in elevation and an 18-month shutdown of rails to DuPont while work is done.

Former Gov. Haley Barbour's administration shifted $560 million designated for housing recovery to the port project.