Notice and Public Explanation of a Proposed Activity in the 100-Year Floodplain TO: All Interested Agencies, Groups, and Individuals SUBJECT: Notice of intent to take action within the 100-year floodplain This document gives notice the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority proposes to conduct activities within the 100-year floodplain, as identified on Flood Insurance Rate Maps (FIRMs) for Harrison County, to facilitate the Runway 18-36 Runway Extension Project ("project"). The purpose of the project is to improve airfield safety, operational efficiency, and flexibility at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport by extending Runway 18-36 to better accommodate existing aircraft operations and reduce operational constraints. The project site is in the City of Gulfport, Harrison County, Mississippi. The Project is located at the Gulfport-Biloxi International south of I-10, east of Hwy 49, north of Pass Road, and west of Hewes Avenue. The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority is requesting the use of the U.S. Department of the Treasury Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies (RESTORE) Act funding for the referenced project. In deciding whether to fund the proposed project, the U.S. Department of the Treasury is obligated to follow requirements set forth by Section 2(a)(4) of Executive Order 11988 for Floodplain Management. This Notice of Intent is being provided in fulfillment of the aforementioned Executive Order. The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority has conducted an evaluation as required by Executive Order 11988 to determine the potential effect that its activity in the floodplain will have on the environment. The Runway 18-36 Runway Extension Project site encompasses 126 acres and is located within the 100-year floodplain (Zone AE) as shown on FIRM Map Number 28047C0264G and 28047C0268G (effective date 06/16/2009). Base flood elevations (BFE) are 12 and 14 feet above sea level. In response to the requirement for evaluating alternatives to building/mitigating projects in the floodplain, the Alternate Design, Alternate Site and No-Build Alternatives were considered. Alternate Design Alternative: The RPZ tree clearing is the project component located within the Zone AE 100-year floodplain. The RPZ is defined by FAA safety standards and its location is fixed relative to the end of Runway 36; it cannot be independently relocated or redesigned to avoid the floodplain. The runway extension alignment is therefore constrained by the existing airport infrastructure, FAA design standards, and surrounding development. No alternative design exists that would extend Runway 18-36 to meet operational requirements while avoiding RPZ encroachment into the Zone AE floodplain. Alternative designs are therefore impracticable. Alternate Site Alternative: Airport runway extensions must connect to and align with the existing runway. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport and Runway 18-36 are existing fixed facilities; relocation to an alternative site is not a practicable option for a runway extension project. Alternative sites are therefore impracticable. No Action Alternative: Under the No Action Alternative, Runway 18-36 would not be extended, and no improvements would be made. This alternative would not meet the project's purpose and need to improve airport operational capacity and safety and would not satisfy FAA runway safety area requirements. The No Action Alternative is therefore not practicable. Proposed Action Alternative: The objective of the project is to extend Runway 36 approximately 1,315 feet to the south to achieve a total runway length of 6,250 feet +/-, along with associated modifications to Taxiway J, relocation of the existing perimeter road and fence, and relocation of the Precision Approach Path Indicator (PAPI) system. Additionally, trees within the expanded Runway Protection Zone (RPZ) south of the runway extension will be cleared to maintain required FAA safety clearances. Written comments may be submitted on or before May 4, 2026, to the Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport Authority, 14035-L Airport Road, Gulfport, MS 39503 or via email at Clyons@flygpt.com, Attention: Casey Lyons, Assistant Director. A full description of the project may also be reviewed from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Orange Grove Public Library located at 12135 Old Hwy 49, Gulfport, MS 39503. IPL0332157 Apr 17 2026