Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich applauded U.S. Sen. Thad Cochran today for his leadership in obtaining a quarter-million dollars in funds that will allow the city to analyze land use issues affecting Keesler Air Force Base.
Cochran, chairman of the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, today announced the award of $214,000 in Department of Defense funds and $23,000 in funds from the Mississippi Development Authority for the city to conduct a 24-month Joint Land Use Study to review issues related to potential effects of future growth for Biloxi, Keesler and the surrounding area.
“Senator Cochran knows the importance of Keesler Air Force Base, and he knows that it is vital that the base’s mission be protected,” Gilich said. “His leadership on this issue is giving Biloxi the tools to work with Keesler and our neighboring communities to make sure that growth is for the betterment of all.”
The Biloxi study will consider issues such as height, density, encroachment, noise abatement and other factors.
The city has tasked Gulf Regional Planning Commission to oversee the study and to involve the City of D’Iberville and Harrison County. The commission plans to request proposals from qualified planners in November.
“This Joint Land Use Study is part of ongoing work by the city, state and Air Force to ensure beneficial growth for both Keesler and surrounding communities,” Cochran said. “We’re proud that Keesler is in South Mississippi and this review should provide good information to sustain the mutual interests of the Air Force and Biloxi.”
The Biloxi City Council in July approved a resolution authorizing the city to serve as a sponsor for this study.
Joint Land Use Studies are used by the Department of Defense to involve local stakeholders, such as local governments, in finding compatible development patterns that complement the mission of a military base and its host community.
See the Cochran announcement
News and notes
Soccer: Registration for Biloxi’s youth soccer league for ages eight and up will take place Saturday from 9 a.m. to noon at the Donal Snyder Community Center on Pass Road. For more information, call the Recreation Department at 228-388-2483.  To see a flyer, click here.
Cemetery tour finale: To see photographs from the encore presentation of the cemetery tours on Tuesday, click here.
