The Mississippi Development Authority has given the Gulfport Main Street Association $12 million in funds to help improve the coastal city’s downtown area, the first of three rounds of funding.

Lisa Bradley, executive director of the GMSA, said $4.5 million will be available for property owners and investors to apply for in order to use it to improve their building’s facades and appearances. The remaining $7.5 million of the funds will be for the city to improve streetscapes.