State officials have announced a new ferry service between Henderson Point and Bay St. Louis, giving drivers in the area a new option.

Funding for a new contract with a ferry service provider comes from emergency relief funds provided by the Federal Highway Administration, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Hurricane Katrina wiped away the U.S. 90 bridge over the Bay of St. Louis. Drivers have had to circumnavigate the bay on state highways and Interstate 10 to the north to make what had been a simple crossing before Katrina.

Funds also have been provided for preparatory work for access and the ferry landing site, as well as repairs of Old Highway 90 and clearing of county roads in the landing vicinity on the Henderson Point side. Portions of the 3rd Avenue road bed destroyed by Katrina will also be rebuilt.

MDOT awarded two contracts to Warren Paving Inc. of Hattiesburg. The company will be paid $987,000 for dredging and $1.37 million to cover materials and pile-driving costs.

A news release said MDOT work crews will construct the landing and the Harrison County Sand Beach Authority will contribute equipment, operators and sand. “MDOT has benefited greatly from the way Harrison County has pitched in to assist in the road repairs leading to the landing,” District 6 Engineer Ricky Lee said.