Coast to Hire Military Consultant

Tuesday, city councils throughout Harrison County voted to fund a Washington D.C. consultant to come down to south Mississippi. That consultant will analyze and advise the military bases along the Coast.

The bases are an important economic driver in Harrison County and officials want to see them remain intact. Currently, the Department of Defense is looking to make cuts that may possibly mean C130Js leaving Keesler Air Force Base. This consultant will help the coast minimize future hits from Department of Defense downsizing.

Dr. John R. Kelly, Chief Administrative Officer for Gulfport, says, “Every five to seven years, there’s a round of base re-alignment. What they look at is how well bases, for lack of a better word, play together. Are they looking at consolidating services? The consultant provides them with that information and just educates Congress and the general population.”

The Mississippi Development Authority has asked Biloxi, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and D’Iberville to all contribute. Tuesday, the Gulfport City Council voted to give $3,000 toward the consultant fees.