Reports - Mississippi Renewal

THE GOVERNOR’S COMMISSION REPORT | 33east-west thoroughfare utilizing theCSX rail line and right-of-way or analternate route. The master plan shouldbe compatible with and enhance theland use concepts and recommendationsof the Commission.The Gulf Regional Planning Commission,MDOT, the Federal HighwayAdministration, and the RenaissanceAdvisory Council (as proposed in thesection on Land Use) would share responsibilityin different degrees for theimplementation of this recommendation.Funding is available throughFEMA, MDOT, and the Federal HighwayAdministration, which was recentlyappropriated $2.75 billion by Congressfor rebuilding efforts.Public TransportationCTA Lighthouse Station, BiloxiEven before Katrina, the transportationinfrastructure did not provide thegeneral public with much incentive toutilize public transportation, which inturn limited the potential of CTA’s ridership.Ridership directly determinedoperational and capital revenue andfederal funding, and revenue and fundinglimited CTA’s ability to provide innovativeand expanded public transportationservices to the Gulf Coast. It wasthe classic “domino effect.”Free public transportation for a twoyearperiod is critical to recovery andrebuilding efforts since many peoplehave lost their vehicles and rely on publictransportation to travel to relief centers,work, grocery stores, and shoppingcenters. 10 As communities pass from therecovery stage to the rebuilding and renewalstages, public transportation becomesan integral part of the renaissanceof South Mississippi. The Commissionmakes the following recommendations:■ CTA should apply for all availablefederal funding to compensate forthe revenue shortfall resulting fromKatrina, and to repair and replacecapital facilities and vehicles. CTAofficials have been meeting with FTArepresentatives and made written applicationto Congress for emergencyfunding.■ An experienced and qualified transportationengineering firm should becontracted to undertake a comprehensiveinter-modal transportationplan, including public transportation.The plan should focus on providingpublic transportation that affords apleasant and cost-effective means oftraveling to work, visiting casinos,and sightseeing and shopping forPhoto: Sun-Herald