Gulfport unveils design of $65 million Mississippi Aquarium
GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) – Officials are unveiling the proposed design for the Mississippi Aquarium, expected to open in early 2019 near the Gulfport Harbor.
The Sun Herald reports the $65 million aquarium will be spread through four buildings, with an outdoor exhibit as the anchor.
Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes says the city already has in hand the $40 million for construction, and he estimates another $20 million will be needed to acquire animals. Hewes says he hopes the money will come from the Legislature, where a bill is pending. He says it might arrive over time rather than in one lump sum.
Gov. Phil Bryant says he’s pledging $25,000 to the aquarium. He tells the Sun Herald the money might come from his campaign fund because he could not afford that size donation.
