GULFPORT, Mississippi (WLOX) – The Gulfport City Council voted Wednesday to adopt its 2024 Action Plan for funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Gulfport will use $1.2 million in community development block grants to make improvements in poorer neighborhoods in the city.

The council chamber was packed as residents listened to city council members discuss in detail what this money should be used for.

The city will spend $350,000 on sidewalk construction, infrastructure and recreational improvement.

Third District Councilwoman Ella Holmes-Hines says her district is in dire need of home repairs and better drainage.

“We have to continue to be extremely careful going forward because we have to make these essential agreements to get that done,” Holmes-Hines said. “District 3 will have the change that says zero is unacceptable and we’ll go ahead and do what we always do, which is just keep our 50-50 ratio and move on.”

“Whether it’s sidewalk improvements, infrastructure improvements or creating sports fields for children, these are long-term projects that take years to build and fund,” said Gulfport Mayor Billy Hewes. “My proposal was to use this year and others and combine them with other partners to make improvements across the city.”

Wednesday’s vote followed public hearings and written comments from citizens. The city will complete paperwork with HUD so it can begin work on the projects.

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