The designated area of the Mississippi Gulf Coast comprises six counties recognized for their unique cultural and scenic qualities.
The National Heritage Area designation provides a unified marketing and promotional framework for the region.
[1] The National Heritage Area comprises Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson counties.
Much of the national heritage area's efforts since that time have focused on recovery and preservation and restoration of buildings and cultural resources damaged or lost in the storm.
[4] The Mississippi Gulf Coast National Heritage Area was established in December 2004 by Public Law 108-447.