Pascagoula Laboratory Replacement (ARRA)
The New NOAA Pascagoula Laboratory Replacement (Artist Rendering)
Project Description
Pascagoula Laboratory Replacement
Project Description
This new two story facility will replace the Hurricane Katrina storm damaged NOAA NMFS office laboratory facility located in Pascagoula, MS.
Since Hurricane Katrina devastated the office-lab in September2005, the National Marine Fisheries Service's (NMFS) ability to accomplish its fish, sea mammal research, and national seafood inspection mission has been severely impacted. Currently, all NMFS' functions are being accomplished through the use of temporary trailers, cramped lease space, and small NOAA facilities that survived the storm and were repaired.
Due to the extensive damage, NMFS expressed its desire to consolidate all of its, pre Katrina, Pascagoula operations into one facility, thus eliminating the need for space scattered throughout owned and leased buildings in the vicinity. In response to this objective, NOAA determined the economic feasibility to demolish the structure and make way for the replacement. This will facilitate meeting the consolidation mission, as required by the Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC), National Seafood In spection Laboratory (NSIL), and Document Approval and Security Section (DASS), into one efficient facility. In addition to meeting NMFS' objective, this plan will result in higher efficiency through maximizing space utilization and preserving the adjacency to the research vessel berthing facilities and warehouses.
NOAA's Office of Marine and Aviation Operation (OMAO's) new vessel Pisces was launched in 2007 at Halter VT Marine, Inc., in Moss Point, Mississippi and home ported in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Pisces will support NOAANMFS research and as sessments in the Gulf of Mexico, Caribbean Sea, and along the southeastern sea board.
Aerial view of the Pascalouga Laboratory at 70% completion.
The consolidated facility will combine laboratory and office space, and will consist of approximately one third biology and chemical (metals) laboratory space with the remaining two thirds being administrative, office, storage, mechanical / electrical and support spaces. Additionally, it will enhance NOAA's technical and scientific research and provide greater synergy and integration across NMFS in delivering its products and services to the public. The new facility will establish a clear "public face" - generating greater focus and attention to the vital role NOAA's programs play in understanding and predicting the health of Gulf Coast fish and sea mammals, including the ecosystem that supports them; and the quality of seafood imported and distributed throughout the United States. Furthermore, it will promote community development through its outreach efforts, cooperative relationships with educational institutions, and growth of internship programs.
The new facility will incorporate the latest hurricane flood (surge) and wind design requirements for a hurricane sustainable facility allowing NOAA's mission to continue through severe weather conditions. This new construction will include LEED®, the Energy Policy Act of 2005 requirements, Seismic Safety and other necessary life safety criteria.
Location
The building is now completed (100%), and is located on the site of the existing NOAA laboratory in Pascagoula, Mississippi, between the historic downtown and the Pascagoula River.
| Program Phase | Schedule (Start-Complete) |
|---|---|
| Project Award Date | September 2007 |
| Construction Start Date | January 2008 |
| Construction Completion Date | August 2009 |