GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - The state port is exceeding federal requirements on the number of low-income residents or businesses working to restore and expand the West Pier.

The port must meet employment requirements under the Community Development Block Grant program in exchange for $570 million the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development provided for construction.

In a news release received by The Sun Herald (http://bit.ly/PEfE2i ), the port has exceeded the goal that 10% of a contract's value benefit businesses that meet federal guidelines.

The requirements can be met in several ways. A business engaged through 1 of the contracts qualifies if 51% is owned by a low-income or government-subsidized housing resident, or if at least 30% of employees meet the low-income threshold.

Information from: The Sun Herald, http://www.sunherald.com

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