The Mississippi State Department of Environmental Quality is preparing a plan for the federal government to use $500 million for water, wastewater and storm water infrastructure projects on the gulf coast.
The state is currently conducting public comment sessions so that residents can make comments on the proposal, known as the Gulf Region Water and Wastewater plan.
According to The Clarion Ledger, Governor Haley Barbour set aside $500 million for infrastructure needs from the $5.05 billion the state received through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Hurricane Katrina.
The plan involves building centralized treatment facilities, groundwater supply wells, storage tanks and water transmission lines in six coastal counties that are expected to grow. The plain aims to provide infrastructure for long-term growth and recovery.
The state started the process in April and has contracted with the Mississippi Engineering Group Inc. and has been consulting with various stakeholders for guidance to identify the specific needs on the Coast.
The Clarion Ledger reported that comments collected during the public meeting may be used to revise the plan.
Source: The Clarion Ledger
