Start of the second control tower for the Restoration Fund projects
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI (WLOX) – On Thursday, the second round of the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund’s validation process began with a first meeting of its Advisory Board in Jackson.
After a tough first round, the Advisory Board members and candidates learned lessons that will hopefully pay off in the end.
This included Rob Kirkland, CEO of the Mississippi Gulf Coast YMCA, who is back for another chance to make money.
Last time around, the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund advisory board thought the new 64,000-square-foot facility would be a good idea, but it was rejected by the state legislature.
“We were disappointed and the community was a sink,” Kirkland said. “But we will keep coming back and we will continue to study the needs of the community. It can change over time based on what we learn from COVID-19 and research and how the community needs to change. “
Kirkland said this time he would do what he did before, just stronger.
“It’s not easy,” Kirkland said. “You need to be committed to it and it is imperative to share your story. Legislators are essential, the advisory committee is essential, and community support is essential.
Last year, the YMCA was among the 119 projects submitted. In the end, eight projects submitted by the board of directors through the Mississippi Development Authority were also approved by the legislature.
But, the legislature directly approved four projects which were not approved by the board of directors.
“It is certainly frustrating and disappointing any time we have a process put in place by law and then that process is bypassed or not followed,” said Ashley Edwards, chair of the advisory board.
Edwards was also frustrated that so many projects submitted by the board had been rejected by the legislature.
“We really believe that the process we have here with the advisory board is the best way to ensure that projects are approved and that ultimately results in good strategic investments for the coast.” Edwards said.
This year, 77 projects were sent to the Mississippi Development Authority by the August 28 deadline.
The MDA scores them on the 15 legislative priorities, and the advisory board will submit its recommendations by December 1.
Edwards said success hinges above all on effective communication so that the coast is better heard with state lawmakers.
“We’re going to do a better job of making sure we speak to the legislature,” Edwards said. “We’ve already started talking to some of our local lawmakers on the coast about the possibility of having hearings in Jackson so that we can talk about the recommendations we’ve made.”
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