M.D.M.R. Seeks Grant Money to Restore Marine Habitats

Wednesday, Senator Roger Wicker took a boat tour of the Mississippi Sound with the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (M.D.M.R.). Currently, the M.D.M.R. is seeking $10.9 million in federal grant money to restore marine life habitats in the Sound.

Over the past decade, the marine life has been greatly affected by a number disasters, including Hurricane Katrina, the BP oil spill, and most recently, the opening of the Bonnet Carre Spillway in 2011. Senator Wicker wanted to see firsthand the state of south Mississippi’s seafood resources.

Wicker says, “I’m impressed with their professionalism. These are highly educated and motivated public servants. They’re spending state money and the state legislature is interested in that too, but to the extent that they’re working with federal grants. I’m happy for the briefing about how the federal tax dollars are being spent.”

Senator Wicker also toured other Coast facilities which receive federal money, including military bases and shipyards.