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n South Mississippi, tremendous improvements are being made to the infrastructure that will enhance economic growth and at the same time improve the quality of life in the area. Among these projects is a new water and sewer system for the six coastal counties of Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, George, Pearl River and Stone. Also within these areas, numerous road and highway projects are currently underway or are in the planning stages.
   Prior to Hurricane Katrina, improvements and additions to the infrastructure were evidently needed to support the rapid growth of the area. Since Hurricane Katrina, the need is even greater. Repairing and replacing those structures affected by the hurricane is of utmost importance, but preparing for expected growth is still a major factor in the planning of these projects.
   The Mississippi Gulf Coast is quickly on its way to becoming what it was and more. Casinos are thriving. The Port at Gulfport remains a vital route of import and export and is expanding. The Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport will soon provide the transport of cargo as part of its expansion. Several new industries and numerous condominium developments have located to the area since the storm, and there is tremendous opportunity for more new businesses to join in the rebuilding, a rebuilding that will be supported by a strong, well-planned infrastructure.

The Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge, connecting Harrison County to Jackson County, is among the many infrastructure improvements currently in progress on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

   Smart, intensive planning has been an integral part of all of the projects. In addition to supporting the continued growth of the area, all of the projects will provide stronger structures that will be less vulnerable to future storms.
   In the water and sewer system planning, the expected shift of residents further inland from the coast is a major determinant of how the project will be implemented. The project will take a regional approach to creating a more centralized system for all of the six coastal counties, as opposed to the nearly 100 separate authorities that have been in existence.
   The Gulf Region Water and Wastewater Plan, as it is called, is being developed by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ) as directed by Governor Haley Barbour. Funding for the project will be a combination of state and federal, much of which was already appropriated in a federal community development Katrina relief package.
   Barbour says of the project, "This is an enormous undertaking, but despite the complexity, it must be done quickly, effectively and correctly. We will not get another chance to make these types of improvements that will dramatically improve quality of life, protect infrastructure from future storms and spur economic development opportunities for decades to come."
   The plan identifies the needs of the six coastal counties while "Providing for Safety, Prosperity, and Quality of Life." It addresses the expected growth patterns to determine the areas where water and sewer infrastructure needs could exist; it makes recommendations for modifying systems particularly vulnerable to storms; it provides alternatives to lessen impacts to the environment; and it includes cost estimates for the proposed projects.
   Like the MDEQ, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) has also been working hard in cooperation with public officials to repair and improve the transportation system in South Mississippi. Some important road projects currently in progress on the Mississippi Gulf Coast include the following.
   Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge – Located on U.S. Highway 90, connecting Harrison County to Jackson County, this high-rise structure will have 95 feet of vertical clearance and six traffic lanes, two of which are scheduled to open by the end of 2007.
   Bay of St. Louis Bridge – Also on U.S. Highway 90, on the opposite end of the Coast from the Biloxi-Ocean Springs Bridge, this bridge, which will connect Harrison County to Hancock County is set for completion in November 2007. Two lanes are expected to open by May, and a ferry currently carries passengers and their vehicles across the bay.
   Mississippi 601/Canal Road – The purpose of this project is to upgrade and increase the efficiency of traffic movement between the Port at Gulfport and U.S. Interstate 10 and to provide better access to the Gulfport central business district. It would alleviate congestion and remove truck traffic from the existing north/south U.S. Highway 49. MDOT is presently acquiring right-of-ways for the southern portion of this project and wrapping up environmental studies on the northern portion project, which will be followed by public hearings.
   These water and road projects are only a few of the many improvements occurring on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Bill Hessell, director of property management and operations for the Harrison County Development Commission, says, "These projects will be tools for economic growth; they will update and improve the existing infrastructure and provide opportunity for further land development. In doing so, they will enhance the quality of life by increasing safety and convenience for our residents."
   To find out more about the infrastructure improvements on the Mississippi Gulf Coast and the other great business amenities available, call the Harrison County Development Commission or visit their website.

   Contact: Larry Barnett, Executive Director, 228-896-5020, www.mscoast.org