Press Releases

This week, the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed bipartisan legislation that includes Mississippi in a critical environmental program aimed at protecting the Mississippi Sound — one of the state’s most valuable natural resources.

The legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to officially review Mississippi for inclusion in the National Estuary Program, ensuring the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program (MSEP) receives the attention and potential federal funding it deserves.

“This is a major win for Mississippi,” Ezell said. “The Mississippi Sound is vital to our seafood industry, tourism, and the livelihoods of countless coastal families. This legislation ensures Mississippi gets a fair shake by requiring the EPA to evaluate our estuary for national designation and support. By advancing this bill out of committee, we’re taking a critical step toward strengthening the health and economy of Mississippi’s coast for future generations.”

“We would like to thank Congressman Ezell and the rest of the committee for highlighting the need to recognize Mississippi Sound as an estuary of national significance. The community and congressional support received so far has been tremendous and emphasizes the importance of protecting this waterbody and its watershed.” said Eric Sparks, Director of the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program.

The Mississippi Sound supports rich commercial fisheries, vital wetlands, barrier islands, and recreational waters that drive economic growth across the region. The MSEP focuses on protecting these natural assets while fostering sustainable development and resilience to environmental challenges.

The legislation now moves to the full House for consideration.

Background:

Mississippi is currently the only Gulf Coast state—and one of just three coastal states nationwide—without a nationally designated estuary. No new estuaries have been added to the National Estuary Program (NEP) in over 30 years, leaving Mississippi at a disadvantage when it comes to federal support for coastal protection.

Estuaries in the NEP receive hundreds of thousands of dollars annually for clean water, shoreline protection, and watershed restoration programs. These funds also support education and industry engagement to protect the environment while supporting economic growth.

Local companies and organizations already partner with the Mississippi Sound Estuary Program (MSEP)—but without national designation, Mississippi misses out on additional funding, including grants and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) resources.

The Mississippi Sound Estuary spans three major watersheds that directly impact coastal ecosystems, including the state’s critical oyster beds. National recognition would unlock vital resources to improve water quality, resilience, and economic sustainability along Mississippi’s coast.

Mississippi State University’s project was paid for [in part] with federal funding from the RESTORE Council and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality under the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act).

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