Biloxi Residents Have Breakfast with the Mayor
Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich has been the mayor of Biloxi for 67 days, but he says it’s the next 67 and beyond that matter. Mayor Gilich laid out plans for the city at today’s ‘Breakfast with the Mayor’ event put on by the Biloxi Chamber of Commerce.
News 25’s Bryan Kennedy provides a glimpse into the future of Biloxi.
This morning, Mayor ‘FoFo’ Gilich took center stage, sharing his vision for the city with a packed house at the Hard Rock. First up, making sure plans take off for a new gate at Keesler after his recent talks in Washington. “Well, we’re just identifying what needs to be done from the Air Force side, what needs to be done for defense access and some of these funding sources. That’s a big number.”
That number is the 30 million dollar price tag to relocate Keesler’s current gate, a gate that does not meet Department of Defense Security standards. Col. Michele Edmondson , Keesler 81st Training Wing commander, said, “When you look at the current gates that we have and the infrastructure, the new gates will give us a better opportunity to ensure we have the correct force protection measures really in place for the gate.”
Also topping the mayor’s agenda was distribution of BP settlement money. “You know, I’m concerned,” said Mayor Gilich, “And I’d be more than disappointed if the bulk of it winds up not down here on the Coast.”
The mayor says getting the money back to the Coast will be a team effort. “It’s gotta be. From the mayor’s standpoint, we’re gathered, we’re on one mind. And you know local people will come together and just put a solid front and swing a big stick when you go out there fighting for this money.”
City officials say the city will have a better idea of how to pay for the gate after Congress looks at their budget in January.
News 25’s Bryan Kennedy provides a glimpse into the future of Biloxi.
This morning, Mayor ‘FoFo’ Gilich took center stage, sharing his vision for the city with a packed house at the Hard Rock. First up, making sure plans take off for a new gate at Keesler after his recent talks in Washington. “Well, we’re just identifying what needs to be done from the Air Force side, what needs to be done for defense access and some of these funding sources. That’s a big number.”
That number is the 30 million dollar price tag to relocate Keesler’s current gate, a gate that does not meet Department of Defense Security standards. Col. Michele Edmondson , Keesler 81st Training Wing commander, said, “When you look at the current gates that we have and the infrastructure, the new gates will give us a better opportunity to ensure we have the correct force protection measures really in place for the gate.”
Also topping the mayor’s agenda was distribution of BP settlement money. “You know, I’m concerned,” said Mayor Gilich, “And I’d be more than disappointed if the bulk of it winds up not down here on the Coast.”
The mayor says getting the money back to the Coast will be a team effort. “It’s gotta be. From the mayor’s standpoint, we’re gathered, we’re on one mind. And you know local people will come together and just put a solid front and swing a big stick when you go out there fighting for this money.”
City officials say the city will have a better idea of how to pay for the gate after Congress looks at their budget in January.
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