Board acknowledges $3.5M restoration grant and approves other grants for public safety

The Harrison County Board of Supervisors acknowledged a $3.5 million grant award from the Mississippi Gulf Coast Restoration Fund, with a 20% local match, to fund improvements to the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy. The board authorized the county administrator to establish a separate account to receive and track those grant funds.

Separately, the board accepted a revised Operation Stone Garden grant packet in the amount of $175,000 for the Harrison County Sheriff's Office. Supervisors discussed available matching sources for the restoration grant and indicated the county budget can cover most of the match, noting the county may need to request a small additional appropriation. Both motions were moved, seconded, and approved by voice vote.

Board members instructed the county administrator to set up separate accounting to ensure grant funds and matching dollars are tracked and administered properly. No specific construction schedule or procurement plan for the training academy improvements was included in the meeting discussion; supervisors said staff will return with implementation details.