top of page
Search

Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission Celebrates Ribbon Cutting of New 11,500 SF Facility at Stennis International Airport, Launches Ignition Park, and Announces Expansion of Federal Coastal Mapping

  • Writer: Obie McClure
    Obie McClure
  • 3 days ago
  • 3 min read

KILN, Miss. — The Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission (HCPHC) proudly announces the completion of a new 11,500-square-foot office facility at Stennis International Airport and the successful conclusion of Phase 1 of its emerging technology park, officially named Ignition Park. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on December 5 to celebrate both milestones, welcome the facility’s new tenant, and formalize the expansion of a long-standing interagency partnership dedicated to advancing the nation’s coastal mapping and surveying capabilities.


Supported by more than $11.5 million in strategic investment, the projects were funded through the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund program ($4 million), the RESTORE program ($4 million), and the Select Site Grant Fund ($3 million). These funds supported both the construction of the new 11,500-square-foot office building and the infrastructure improvements that will enable Phases 2 and 3 of Ignition Park. This comprehensive investment reflects Hancock County’s long-term vision to grow high-tech industry, strengthen coastal resilience, and build world-class scientific and technology infrastructure across the region.


The ceremony was attended by distinguished federal, state, and military leaders, including:

- Blaine LaFontaine, Executive Director, Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission

- Governor Tate Reeves, State of Mississippi

- Chris Wells, Director, Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality

- The Honorable Adam Telle, Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works

- RDML Erin Acosta, Commander, Naval Meteorology and Oceanography Command

- RDML Benjamin K. Evans, Director, Office of Coast Survey, NOAA National Ocean Service

- Dr. Michael Tischler, Acting Associate Director, Core Science Systems, U.S. Geological Survey


I-ATLAS (Formerly JALBTCX) Signs New MOU Expanding Its National Coastal Mapping Mission


As part of the event, the long-standing Joint Airborne Lidar Bathymetry Technical Center of Expertise (JALBTCX)—now transitioning to its new name, I-ATLAS (Interagency Airborne Technologies for Lidar, Analysis, and Surveying) signed a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to renew and expand its 26-year interagency partnership.

Initially formed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Naval Oceanographic Office, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), JALBTCX has been the nation’s leader in operations and research related to airborne lidar bathymetry, near-shore topography, and coastal mapping and nautical charting technologies.


Under the new name I-ATLAS, the partnership is expanding to formally include the U.S. Coast Guard and the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA). By broadening interagency collaboration, I-ATLAS aims to optimize further the efficiency, quality, and mission impact of national coastal and riverine mapping, surveying, and data analysis. This expanded partnership supports federal missions spanning navigation safety and environmental monitoring to national security, disaster preparedness, and scientific innovation.



Ignition Park Marks a Major Milestone for Hancock County


The ribbon cutting also marked the completion of Phase 1 of Ignition Park, HCPHC’s new technology park designed to support federal agencies, research organizations, and high-tech tenants. With recent grant-funded infrastructure upgrades enabling Phases 2 and 3, the park is positioned to attract additional scientific, defense, and technology-focused organizations. The name—Ignition Park—reflects Hancock County’s mission to spark innovation, ignite economic potential, and launch new capabilities across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.


ree
“This ribbon cutting event marks more than the opening of a new facility—it represents a major step forward in positioning Hancock County as a center of innovation and scientific excellence. We are proud to support the cutting-edge coastal mapping and research conducted by I-ATLAS and its federal partners, whose work strengthens resilience and informs critical national decisions. With the launch of Ignition Park and the completion of Phase 1, we are laying the foundation for new opportunities, high-quality jobs, and long-term economic growth for our community and the State of Mississippi.” - Blaine LaFontaine, Executive Director of Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission

About Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission

As the county economic development authority, the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is committed to fostering business investment and job creation. Their focus lies in attracting manufacturing, defense, aviation, and aerospace-related projects to the county. The organization manages the Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park, while also providing support to the Stennis Space Center, NASA’s leading facility for rocket engine testing.

bottom of page