Hood announces lawsuit related to Bonnet Carre Spillway opening

Mississippi Attorney General Jim hood was in Biloxi to announce the start of a lawsuit related to this year’s Bonnet Carre Spillway openings.

It’s the beginning of a lengthy process designed to provide relief for Mississippi Coast residents and industries affected by this year’s Bonnet Carre Spillway openings.

Attorney General Jim Hood sent a 60 day notice of intent to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regarding an impending lawsuit against them by the state of Mississippi.

According to the three-page notice sent to the Corps of Engineers, the lawsuit will address damages to tourism and other economic industries across the Gulf Coast as a result of the spillways openings this year.

In addition to seeking damages for the tourism and seafood industries, the state will direct the corps to conduct environmental impact studies and funds to restore marine habitats damaged by polluted freshwater in the sound. “The results have devastated our Mississippi Sound. It’s killed off more marine organisms than BP, the oil spill, did itself.”

Now that notice has been sent, the Attorney General’s Office will coordinate with local governments to join in the suit and determine the exact costs of damages. “At this point, by the time we get it all together, we’ll be working together and that way we can determine the losses and make a claim.”

Hood hopes the federal government will respond to provide compensation to those on the Coast who need it. “I want to make sure that we take care of the people down here. This is going to be a long-term impact, a long litigation. I for sure want to make sure that Congress provides money to the people who are affected down here.”

The lawsuit will be formally filed upon completion of the 60 day notice period.