Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves Talks BP Money

Mississippi Lieutenant Governor Tate Reeves was on the Coast today to announce his plans to hold town hall meetings in each of the three Coast counties. This is all in an effort to get input from the public on how the state should spend BP settlement money.
At a press conference at USM’s Gulf Park campus, Reeves said the state is looking to use the $750 million to fund projects that will help improve South Mississippi’s economy.
Reeves says he believes 100 percent of the money should be spent in South Mississippi with most of that money in the three coastal counties.
Local lawmakers tell News 25 while that sounds encouraging, they’re still cautious. Senator Michael Watson said, “We’ve got to make sure we’ve got commitments from leadership and again, you heard the lieutenant governor say the vast majority to the lower three counties and all of it in South Mississippi. That’s a good talking point and that sells good, but we’ve got to have his commitment and his muscle to make sure that happens.”
State Representative Scott Delano said, “We’re on guard. We will continue to be on guard for now and into the next five or six sessions, but we’re going to be mindful of how we get this approved through both chambers and we’re going to work toward those goals.”
Reeves says the official dates and times for the town hall meetings aren’t set yet. News 25 will keep you updated.