Legislature OKs Lowndes' project

Gov. Tate Reeves called a special session of the Mississippi Legislature to convene Nov. 2 regarding a potential $2.5B business investment in the Golden Triangle (GT) area that would include aluminum and biocarbon production facilities. The economic development project "includes a flat-rolled aluminum production facility, biocarbon production facilities, and certain other industrial facilities," according to a news release. "It will also include infrastructure improvement projects. The project would bring 1,000 jobs to area encompassing Starkville, Columbus and West Point. Reeves said it would the 2.5B project would be the largest economic development in the history of the state.  (Clarion Ledger 10/31/22) Gov. Reeves calls special legislative session on record $2.5B economic development project (yahoo.com)  

UPDATE Nov. 2 

MS LEGISLATURE OKS LOWNDES' PROJECT INCENTIVES

The Mississippi Legislature passed three bills to provide nearly $250M in economic incentives to an aluminum production facility in Lowndes County, during a one-day special session Nov. 2. The company plans to invest $2.5B into the area, the largest economic development in the state's history. The project will employ 1,000 people with an average salary of $93,000. "It's a great day to be a Mississippian," Gov. Tate Reeves said. If the company does not live up to its promises, it risks losing the incentives approved Nov. 2, which would include $155M in grants that are broken up into three tranches. (Clarion Ledger 11/02/11)

La. keel-laying for NOAA vessel

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the Navy and Thoma-Sea Marine Constructors (TMC) held a keel-laying ceremony last week in Houma, La., for Discoverer, a new oceanographic research vessel being built for NOAA. The keel-laying ceremony marks the beginning of a ship’s construction. The 244-foot Discoverer will support a variety of NOAA missions, ranging from oceanographic research and exploration to studying marine life, climate and ocean ecosystems. Discoverer and its sister ship, Oceanographer, will incorporate the latest clean energy technologies. Discoverer will be homeported in Newport, R.I. and is expected to join NOAA's fleet in 2026/ (Work Boat 10/31/22)

Ocean Aero's new HQ at MS port

GULFPORT, Miss. – Maritime exploration and technology company Ocean Aero’s new headquarters on the Port of Gulfport’s East Pier will occupy 67,000 square feet of renovated warehouse space. The move is expected to create an additional 45 jobs by the end of this year. The HQ's initial 10-year term provides for two five-year extensions. Renovations to the facility are scheduled to be completed next summer and include a shop and fabrication space, shipping and receiving dock and modernized offices. The new facade will receive a hurricane-impact curtainwall system and exterior metal panels. For the past year, Ocean Aero has been growing its business in temporary spaces at the port. (Port of Gulfport 10/27/22)

63% rate hike by property insurer

Louisiana residents who rely on the state’s insurer of last resort pay the most for property insurance coverage in the state. The prices charged by Louisiana Citizens Property Insurance Corp. are set to rise by an average of 63%. (NOLA.com 10/30/22) Louisiana Citizens rate increases will be as high as 111% in some parishes | Hurricane Center | nola.com 

Coastal resiliency conference

* The Environment and Health Council of Louisiana is hosting its annual open-to-the-public free conference Nov. 10 at Pennington Biomedical Research Center in Baton Rouge, La. It begins at 8 a.m. and adjourns at 2 p.m. Preregistration is urged via the EHCL website at ehcla.org. The conference 's theme is “Coastal Resiliency - Louisiana Initiatives.” Speakers include Charles Sutcliffe, chief resiliency officer for the state; Ramsey Green, former CAO and resiliency chief in the New Orleans Mayor's Office; Traci Birch, LSU School of Architecture; Nina Lam, LSU Environmental Sciences; Lafourche Parish President Archie Chaisson; Craig Colten, LSU and the Water Institute of the Gulf; and Sam Bentley, LSU Department of Geology and Geophysics. (The Advocate 10/30/22)

5 tornadoes hit coastal MS and AL

Coast Electric Power Association sent out a Facebook post early afternoon on Saturday to advise people traveling in NW Harrison County, Miss., to take an alternate route to avoid an area hit by strong storms and where crews are making repairs. (CEPA 10/29/22) 

UPDATE: 5 tornadoes hit coastal MS and AL

The National Weather Service said Oct. 30 that three tornadoes touched down in Jackson County, Miss., each with top winds estimated between 100 and 110 mph. In Alabama, two weak tornadoes with winds of 72 mph were confirmed, one in Theodore and one south of downtown Mobile. A Mississippi twister in Vancleave had a path of 1.25 miles damaging trees, a home and some outbuildings. A 2.8-mile tornado damaged trees in Moss Point before crossing a marsh and Interstate 10. A 1-mile tornado damaged light poles at a park in Big Point. There were no injuries reported or major damage. (The AP 10/21/22)

MSU grads named alumni fellows

STARKVILLE, Miss. - The Mississippi State University Alumni Association will honor eight Bulldogs as the university’s 2022 Alumni Fellows. This year’s class will assemble on campus Nov. 3-5. The program annually seeks to bring alumni of distinction back to their alma mater to showcase their achievements and inspire current students. The 2022 fellows, who carry the title for life, are among the university’s more than 158,000 living alumni worldwide. The honorees include Ted H. Kendall IV of Bolton, Ben Jenkins of Dallas, Texas, Myna Dickerson Sowell of Spring Hill, Tenn., Cynthia Cooper of Brandon, John Correro of Starkville, Frederick V. “Fred” Buie of Brookhaven, Zack Parisa of Piedmont, Calif., and Rance M. Gamblin, DVM of Akron, Ohio. (MSU 10/28/22) MSU Alumni Association announces 2022 Alumni Fellows | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu) 

Regional aero/aviation job posts

* Aircraft Mechanic Navy C 12 Program Guantanamo Bay Cuba job at Vertex Aerospace in Madison, Miss. Aircraft Mechanic Navy C 12 Program Guantanamo Bay Cuba job at Vertex Aerospace in Madison Mississippi (avjobs.com) 

* Component Services, Administrative Specialist I – Vertex Aerospace, Madison, Miss. Administration job at Vertex Aerospace - Component Services, Administrative Specialist I – Madison, MS (jsfirm.com) 

Steinbeck: Democracy by any name

Future Nobel Laureate John Steinbeck - "Of Mice and Men" and Grapes of Wrath" - wrote in a French publication in 1954 that the practice embodied by U.S. Sen. Joseph McCarthy of Wisconsin was “simply a new name for something that has existed from the moment when popular government emerged.” McCarthy's chasing of suspected communists and blacklisting hundreds of people "is the attempt to substitute government by men for government by law,” Steinbeck wrote in the Le Figaro literary magazine. The column had rarely been seen until it was reprinted this week in The Strand Magazine. “We have always had this latent thing. All democracies have it. It cannot be wiped out because, by destroying it, democracy would destroy itself.” (The AP 10/28/22) Rare John Steinbeck column probes strength of US democracy | AP News

Weeks' $33M N.J. beach contract

Weeks Marine Inc., Covington, Louisiana, was awarded a $33,112,700 firm-fixed-price contract for beach renourishment. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Monmouth Beach, N.J., with an estimated completion date of March 1, 2023. Fiscal 2023 civil construction funds in the amount of $33,112,700 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New York, New York, is the contracting activity. (DoD 10/28/22)

Port NOLA provides update on LIT

NEW ORLEANS - The Port of New Orleans provided an update on the progress of the Louisiana International Terminal (LIT) in St. Bernard Parish, including investments in sustainability, infrastructure, and a new terminal design addressing community input on traffic, neighborhood buffers and drainage. The $1.5B container facility on the Lower Mississippi River near Violet, La., will serve larger container vessels coming online. Without a terminal downriver, the state may lose to competing ports, which was analyzed in an earlier economic study. If Louisiana doesn't become “big-ship ready,” nearly 10,000 existing jobs and over $10B in output could be lost in a decade. If Louisiana wants to remain in the container shipping business, then the Louisiana International Terminal must be built, said Port NOLA President and CEO Brandy D. Christian. The terminal is undergoing a multi-year design and permitting process, with construction slated to in 2025. The first berth is slated to open in 2028. Port NOLA in final negotiations private partners in the ocean carriers and terminal operator businesses who will be making high-dollar investments in the project. (NOLA.com 10/27/22) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans Unveils Design Updates to the…

$6M grant for rail spur at MS port

WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) announced a $6.1M federal Department of Transportation grant to improve infrastructure and expand capacity at the Lowndes County Port in Columbus. The project includes design, engineering, construction, and inspection of a new rail spur with about 10,000 linear feet of track and three transload docks to provide direct rail access for transloading cargo between barges and railcars at the port. The port does not currently have direct rail access. The new rail spur will connect the port terminal to an existing railroad line operated by Kansas City Southern. (Sen. Hyde-Smith 10/27/22)

HII Pascagoula's $2.4B Navy pact

Huntington Ingalls Inc., Pascagoula, Mississippi, is awarded a $2,414,000,000 detail, design, and construction modification to previously awarded contract N00024-20-C-2437 in support of one Amphibious Assault Ship (General Purpose) Replacement (LHA(R)) Flight 1 Ship (LHA 9). Work will be performed in Pascagoula, Mississippi (72%); Milwaukee, Wisconsin (2%); Baltimore, Maryland (2%); Beloit, Wisconsin (2%); Brunswick, Georgia (2%); Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (1%); Cincinnati, Ohio (1%); Kingsford, Michigan (1%); Hueytown, Alabama (1%); York, Pennsylvania (1%); Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania (1%); and others individually less than 1% each (14%). Work is expected to be completed by September 2029. Fiscal 2021 shipbuilding and conversion (Navy) funds in the amount of $93,000,001 will be obligated at time of award and will not expire at the end of the current fiscal year. This contract includes options, which, if exercised, would bring the cumulative value of this contract to $3,190,605,290.  If all options are exercised, work will continue through March 2031. This sole source contract modification was not competitively procured in accordance with 10 U.S. Code 3204(c)(1), as implemented by Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation 6.302-1 – only one responsible source. The Naval Sea Systems Command, Washington, D.C., is the contracting activity. (DoD 10/27/22)

 

Oil industry helo crashes in GoM

NEW ORLEANS - A Coast Guard MH-60 Jayhawk helicopter aircrew responded to a report of a downed helicopter flipped upside down with flotation devices and a life raft deployed offshore Morgan City, La., on Oct. 26. The CG initially received a call at 6:35 p.m. from Westwind Helicopter Inc. confirming that a company helicopter crashed in the Gulf of Mexico with three people aboard. An oil rig crew boat, Captain Ron, responded to the scene and reported two crewmembers in a life raft. The aircrew hoisted those two crewmembers, who were transferred to University Medical Center New Orleans in critical condition. The body of the third crewmember was located in the submerged helicopter. (Coast Guard video 10/27/22) DVIDS - Video - Coast Guard rescues 2 from downed helicopter 46 miles offshore Morgan City, La. (dvidshub.net)  

Westwind Helicopters Inc. provides flight services for onshore and offshore oil & gas operations and is HQ'd out of Santa Fe, Texas, with regional sites in Houma, Cameron and Abbeville, La. 

Gov't targeting bank junk fees

NEW YORK - With the election only days away, President Biden's administration is targeting overdraft, bad check and junk fees charged by banks and other companies to customers. The announcement comes after months of high inflation has eaten up Americans' savings - making the economy an issue for voters. Biden was joined by the director Rohit Chopra of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, the nation's financial watchdog agency that is targeting the fees. CFPB's guidance would make it illegal for banks to charge an overdraft fee on a transaction when a customer's account has a positive balance at the time of purchase, or when withdrawing money from their account. Prior to the pandemic, banks charged customers about $15B in overdraft and bounced check fees, according to the bureau. CFPB estimates the new enforcement will save Americans about $3B annually. (The Ap 10/27/22) National News: With Americans feeling pinched, Biden targets bank 'junk fees' (10/27/22) | Southeast Missourian newspaper, Cape Girardeau, MO (semissourian.com)

UN: World failing emission tests

In 2018, United Nations climate scientists warned that if the world wants to keep global average temperatures from rising by more than 2.7 degrees Fahrenheit - one target of the Paris climate agreement - humanity would have to cut emissions about 50% by 2030. A report from the UN on Oct. 26 indicated the world was on track to increase emissions by 10.6 percent compared to 2010. That's if signed-on countries actually meet their commitments. It could lead global average temperatures to rise about 5.22 degrees Fahrenheit. It’s a grim prediction as world leaders prepare to gather at COP27 in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, in early November to hash out plans to deal with climate change, and the chasm between what countries say and what they do. Vox 10/26/22) UN report warns global emissions will keep rising under current climate pledges - Vox 

COP27 COP27 - Home

US economy returns w/ 3Q growth

After declining in back-to-back quarters, the U.S. GDP - gauge of economic output - grew at an annual rate of 2.6% in the 3Q of CY 2022, according to Commerce Department estimates. Consumer spending, about 70% of economic activity, expanded at a 1.4% annual pace from July-thru-September, down from a 2% from April-thru-June. Economists noted that the 3Q gain can be traced entirely to the surge in exports. The outlook for the economy has darkened. The Fed has raised interest rates five times in 2022 and is set to do so again next week and in December. Chair Jerome Powell has warned that the Fed’s hikes will bring “pain” in the form of higher unemployment and possibly a recession. (The AP 10/27/22) US economy returned to growth last quarter, expanding 2.6% | AP News

Hospital ship deploys for CP

NORFOLK, Va. - Hospital ship USNS Comfort (T-AH 20) departed Naval Station Norfolk on Oct. 29 in support of Continuing Promise 2022 mission in the U.S. 4th Fleet area of operations. Comfort is scheduled to visit Guatemala, Honduras, Colombia, Dominican Republic, and Haiti. During these mission stops, CP medical teams will focus on working alongside partner nation medical personnel to provide care aboard and at land-based medical sites. “I’m excited to work with such an enthusiastic and professional medical team,” said Capt. Kathryn Elliott, commanding officer of USNS Comfort, and who earned her Flight Surgery wings at NAS Pensacola. Since its inaugural mission in 2007, CP missions have treated more than 582,000 patients and conducted over 7,000 surgeries in the region. Comfort’s current mission will be its 12th CP mission. (US Navy 10/24/22) Regional Note: Personnel from medical commands at NAS Meridian and NCBC Gulfport, Miss., NAS New Orleans, and Panama City and Pensacola, Fla., have served, and may be serving, on CP missions in the past decades.

Women in RR nom from NOLA

New Orleans Public Belt Railroad General Manager Tomeka Watson-Bryant was among 23 nominees nationally for Railway Age’s 2022 Women in Rail. Watson-Bryant became NOPB General Manager in June. The honor recognizes leadership, innovation and accomplishments in the railroading industry. Watson-Bryant, the first African American woman to lead a short line railroad in the U.S. is a second-generation railroader. Watson-Bryant launched her career as a Trainmaster for both CSX and NOPB. Railway Age’s annual award was established in 2017. All honorees will be featured in Railway Age’s November 2022 issue. (Port NOLA 10/24/22)

AHI top seller for med helos

TAMPA, Fla. - Airbus Helicopters Inc. (AHI) continues to be the leading provider of helicopters in the North American air medical transport industry. Over the past 12 months, AHI has sold more than 35 new single and twin-engine helicopters sold in the air medical market alone. (AHI 10/25/22) New orders affirm Airbus Helicopters’ leading position in North American air medical helicopter market | Airbus U.S.

Field day at seafood lab in La.

The LSU AgCenter and Louisiana Sea Grant will hold a field day from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 9 at their recently opened Seafood Processing Demonstration Lab in Jeanerette. The facility is located at the AgCenter Iberia Research Station at 603 LSU Bridge Road. The lab - the only one in Louisiana - opened in July with the goal of helping potential and existing seafood processors explore opportunities and new concepts in processing, packaging and value-added seafood products. It features commercial processing equipment that is used for demonstration, training and research. The field day will give attendees a chance to see the equipment and learn about educational and outreach programs. (La. Wildlife & Fisheries 10/24/22)

Gulf Coast U-L sulfur diesel plunges

The Gulf Coast benchmark differential for ultra-low sulfur diesel (ULSD) plunged to a 7-year low Oct. 20 following freeze notices from Colonial Pipeline in Mississippi. Platts assessed ULSD loading onto the 60th cycle at NYMEX November ULSD futures minus 25.25 cents/gallon Oct. 20, marking an 8.25-cent decline on the day. It was the weakest differential since Feb. 26, 2015, when value was assessed at front-month futures minus 33.25 cents/gallon, according to data from S&P Global Commodity Insights. Value dove following a freeze announcement from Colonial for cycles 58-thru-60 north of Collins, Miss. Colonial also announced the 61st cycle was allocated While allocation indicates that nominations from shippers exceed available space on the line, a freeze means the line cannot accept any more shipments for that cycle. On Oct. 19, the last cycles frozen by CP were cycles 25-28, which were scheduled in early summer. The 33rd cycle was the last to be allocated. (Hellenics Shipping 10/24/22) US Gulf Coast ULSD differential collapses amid Colonial Pipeline freeze notice | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

Interim appointed USM president

HATTIESBURG, Miss. - Dr. Joe Paul will serve as the 11th president of the University of Southern Mississippi. The decision came after the Board of Trustees of State Institutions of Higher Learning completed its search and voted to appoint Paul, who is currently serving as interim president. (WDAM 10/24/22) University of Southern Mississippi names Dr. Joe Paul as president (wlox.com)

EIS: Ala. port delivers $85M in value

MOBILE, Ala. – The Alabama Port Authority announced Oct. 24 the results of its 2021 Economic Impact Study (EIS), which shows the Port of Mobile, harbor-wide delivered $85B in value to the state in 2021. In addition, economic activity at the port creates about one in seven jobs statewide. The economic activity from the Port and related businesses also provides $2B in tax revenue. Compared to CY 2019, the results show a 217% increase in overall economic impact, 94% increase in jobs, and a 225% increase in tax revenues. "These results are cause for celebration throughout Alabama,” said U.S. Senator Richard Shelby (R-Ala.), Vice Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee. The highest growth was in the container cargo, lumber and liquid bulk sectors. The Port of Mobile is the fastest-growing container terminal in the U.S. over the past five years (54.9 percent volume growth since 2017). (Alabama State Port Authority 10/24/22) The full economic impact report and executive summary are available online at www.alports.com/economic-impact.

Boeing's T-7A pitch to Navy?

Boeing's first prototype of the Air Force’s new combat trainer - the T-7A Red Hawk - rolled off the production line this year, hitting a major milestone in replacing the T-38 Talons, but the T-X program still faces challenges. The company is fighting to stay on schedule and cost, according to a Boeing executive Paul Newald. The aircraft’s progress could open opportunities for Boeing to pitch it to US military training programs and internationally, analysts said. Boeing is investing in the latest technology to make the T-7A platform competitive, including revolutionizing its own production technology. The T-7A program is still targeting a 2024 initial operating capability. Its flexible design opens the potential for the T-7 training systems to be offered to other US services, Jaworowski said. The Navy published a Sources Notice for a Tactical Surrogate Aircraft last year, which mentioned the potential for 64 aircraft. The Navy will be replacing its T-45 Goshawk trainers. (National Defense 10/24/22) New Jet Trainer Taxiing for Low Rate Production (nationaldefensemagazine.org)

Eaton, CAFB regional positions

Eaton Aerospace Group is seeking a CNC Setup Machinists to join its 2nd shift team. This position is based in our Jackson, Miss. Relocation assistance is provided. CNC Machinist-2nd shift in Jackson, Mississippi | Eaton

This position will be assigned to the 14th Force Support Squadron, located at Outdoor Recreation, within the Community Services Flight on Columbus AFB, Mississippi. This is the supervisor for the Information, Tickets, and Travel (ITT) office. Supervisory Recreation Specialist Job in COLUMBUS, MS (federalgovernmentjobs.us) 

Gulf O&G leases March 29

The next round of bids for oil and gas leases in the Gulf of Mexico will largely be limited to the western and central regions, and as far as 200 miles from Louisiana's coast, according to details published Thursday by the Biden administration. The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management (BOEM), which oversees the nation’s offshore leasing program, has issued a proposed notice of sale, which lays out specifics for the federal auction. Lease sales allow companies to bid for space in federal waters and on public lands to explore for oil and gas. The next Gulf lease sale will take place March 29. Amid legal battles over O&G lease sales, the Inflation Reduction Act forced the Biden administration to hold separate lease sales by March and September 2023. The lease sales had previously been canceled due to lawsuits in federal court. BOEM released an environmental impact statement outlining several possibilities for the lease sales. The proposed notice of sale appears to take a route that would open up most of the available spaces in the western and central Gulf sections that either aren’t leased yet or are protected by federal law, according to a map of the proposed area. In line with past practice, areas of the Gulf near the Florida coast are largely off limits. The proposed notice of sale only outlines the blocks that are up for bids. BOEM’s environmental impact statement it could free up to 84M acres for future exploration. Governors from Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas will be allowed to submit comments on the proposed lease sale. After that, BOEM will publish a final notice 30 days before the sale. (NOLA.com 10/20/22) Details for next Gulf of Mexico lease sale have been released; see where it will be | Business News | nola.com

AA dropping 1st class international

American Airlines (AA) is dropping first-class seating on its international flights in favor of expanding business-class offerings, according to CBS News. The decision, announced during an earnings call Thursday, was sparked by a lack of demand for the high-priced tickets. The change doesn’t mean international fliers will be left without premium options. CBS said the airline’s plans call for installing more “Flagship Suite” seating on its long-haul international flights’ those tickets include seats that can be made to lie flat and other amenities. (NNOLA.com 10/22/22) American Airlines dropping first-class seating on international flights - al.com

Top 3 private colleges in Miss.

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A nationwide study of colleges and universities found that three of Mississippi’s private schools - Mississippi College, William Carey and Milsaps - were the three best institutions of higher learning in the state. The trio were ranked 1-2-3 in the study, compiled by financial site WalletHub. Mississippi State University and the University of Mississippi were the top two public schools, ranking 4th and 5th, respectively. The study examined data across a wide range of metrics, including student selectivity (how selective schools are in admitting students), cost & financial aid, faculty resources, campus safety, campus experience, educational outcomes, and career outcomes. (gulflive.com 10/21/22) Study: Mississippi’s private colleges are state’s best for higher education - gulflive.com

Sen. Wicker's father passes away

TUPELO, Miss. - Mississippi U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker announced the death of his father on Oct. 21. Judge Thomas Frederick Wicker, 98, died Friday morning at Baptist Memorial Hospital East in Memphis. The elder Wicker was a WWII veteran, who grew up in Benton County. He was drafted into the Army in 1942 and was later assigned to the 9th Air Force, 36th Station Compliment Squadron where he worked in communications. He served in France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, England, Luxemburg and Normandy earning four battle stars. After the war he graduated from the University of Mississippi receiving his law degree in May 1948. Wicker was a city attorney and county prosecutor, state senator and was appointed by Gov. John Bell Williams as Circuit Judge in 1970, where he served for 20 years. The Wickers had three children Ellen Wicker Cummings, Sen. Roger F. Wicker and foster daughter, Mindy Staten Parrish. In addition to his children, Judge Wicker is survived by five grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. (WTVA 10/21/22 Sen. Wicker announces death of father Judge Thomas Frederick Wicker | News | wtva.com

Date/time change of MSPA meeting

The Mississippi State Port Authority board of commissioners' meeting has been changed and is now scheduled to meet at 9 a.m. on Oct. 27 at the Port’s Administrative Office on the 14th floor of the Hancock Bank Plaza, located at 2510 14th Street in Gulfport. The board meeting is open to the public. (MSPA 10/20/22)

Port NOLA procurement event

NEW ORLEANS – The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) and New Orleans Public Belt Railroad (NOPB) will host a Procurement Contractor’s Resource Event on Oct. 25 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at NOPB’s Joe Spot Training Center, 4822 Tchoupitoulas St., New Orleans. (Port NOLA 10/20/22) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans and the New Orleans Public Belt…

Regional unemployment figures

Unemployment rates were lower in September in 11 states and the District of Columbia, higher in nine states, and stable in 30 states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported Oct. 21. Forty-six states and D.C. had jobless rate decreases from a year earlier. Four states had little change. The national unemployment rate edged down to 3.5 percent and was 1.2 percentage points lower than in September 2021. Minnesota had the lowest jobless rate at 2.0 percent. The next lowest rates were in Utah and Vermont, 2.1 percent each. Louisiana was at 3.4 percent, setting a new low. Mississippi's rate was 4.1 percent. Alabama’s September unemployment rate remained steady at its all-time record low. According to the Alabama Department of Labor, the state’s preliminary unemployment rate for September was 2.6%, unchanged since May. A year ago at this time, it was 3.2%. The national unemployment rate was 3.5% for September. (AL.com 10/21/22)

EPA civil probe of Miss. agencies

JACKSON, Miss. - The federal Environmental Protection Agency is conducting an investigation into whether Mississippi state agencies - Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality and the Mississippi State Department of Health - discriminated against the majority-Black capital's businesses and residents in refusing to fund improvements for its failing water system. The announcement came days after leaders of two congressional committees said they were starting a joint investigation into a crisis. EPA could withhold money from the state if it finds wrongdoing - potentially millions. If the state agencies don’t cooperate, the EPA could refer the case to the Department of Justice. Gov. Tate Reeves declared an emergency Aug. 29, and the two state agencies have been overseeing operations and repairs at the facility. (The AP 10/20/22) EPA civil rights case targets Mississippi over Jackson water (wdam.com)

Pilot leads way for women aviation

Atlas Air's Captain Taylor Montgomery grew up in Baton Rouge, La., and into a family with deep aviation roots. Her grandfather, a retired Air Force flight instructor would take her into the skies for flying lessons. Her father, a retired Navy air traffic controller, would be communicating with the duo from the ground. Flying was exhilarating, she said, and knew from lesson No. 1 what she wanted to do after high school. She enrolled at Louisiana Tech University in pursuit of a dual degree in Professional Aviation/Spanish. She graduated at 20. Instead of joining the Air Force to fly, she went the civilian route and moved to Baton Rouge to become a flight instructor. During those three years, she met her now good friend/mentee, Morgan “Allie” Balding, who had signed up for flight lessons. After the lessons, Taylor continued to mentor Allie. Later, Taylor worked for regional carriers flying cargo before setting her sights on Atlas Air. In February 2016, Taylor was hired as First Officer for Atlas. She upgraded to Captain in 2019 at age 29. Taylor knew Allie would appreciate working at Atlas. Allie joined Atlas in January as a First Officer. It was meaningful to be flying with Taylor again. Taylor recently participated in Atlas’ Women of Aviation Power Panel at CVG with multiple women pilots and students. “It was so nice to hear other women’s stories and journeys,” said Taylor. “While each woman’s end goal was different, we all ended up where we wanted to be. I think we successfully showed the students that there are many different career paths within aviation.” (Atlas Air 10/18/22) Captain Taylor Montgomery Leads the Way for Women in Aviation - Atlas Air Worldwide

RR project to shut down MS Hwy 49

GULFPORT, Miss. - Get ready for bumper-to-bumper traffic in south Mississippi. A planned railroad crossing project will shut down one of the Gulf Coast’s busiest roads (Highway 49 in Harrison County) for 14 days. First responders are preparing for the closure, making sure they’re able to get to emergencies quickly and safely by mapping detour routes to reach calls in a timely manner, according to Gulfport Fire Chief Billy Kelley. That’s not exactly good news for emergency or medical response teams. The traffic count at Highway 49 and Creosote is about 52,000 cars daily. Kelley is encouraging citizens to start planning alternative travel routes now. (WLOX 10/19/22) The impact begins Nov. 23. Northbound lanes will be closing at 10 p.m. Closures in southbound lanes and Exit 34-A come a week later. Then, both lanes, north and south, will be closed. Businesses bracing for traffic congestion once road work begins on Highway 49 (wlox.com)

Carbon/hydrogen GC facility study

Air Liquide, Chevron Corporation, LyondellBasell and Uniper SE have announced intent to collaborate on a joint study to evaluate and advance development of a hydrogen and ammonia production facility along the Gulf Coast. The facility could support industrial decarbonization and mobility applications in the region and expand clean ammonia exports, helping to increase the supply of lower carbon power internationally. The potential project is intended to cover end-to-end energy value chain, utilizing participant’s technical expertise, operational experience, storage, distribution and export logistics. Together, the companies will bring expertise in air separation technology, hydrogen technologies, lower carbon intensity and renewable natural gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), electrolysis-based technologies, and petrochemicals. The consortium will assess the potential for producing hydrogen using natural gas with Cyclic Steam Stimulation (CSS) and renewable hydrogen via electrolysis to supply end-use markets, including the ammonia, petrochemicals, power, and mobility markets. If it proceeds, the project could leverage existing advantages along the Gulf Coast, including pipeline infrastructure, to supply lower carbon and renewable hydrogen to local industrial clusters. Likewise, ammonia infrastructure could support exports to both Europe and the Asia Pacific region. (Hellenic Shipping News 10/20/22) Air Liquide, Chevron, LyondellBasell, and Uniper to Pursue Lower Carbon Hydrogen and Ammonia Project Along the U.S. Gulf Coast | Hellenic Shipping News Worldwide

New flag to head Navy personnel

The Secretary of the Navy and Chief of Naval Operations announced the following assignment: Rear Adm. (lower half) Michael W. Baze will be assigned as commander, Navy Personnel Command; and deputy chief of naval personnel, Millington, Tennessee. Baze is currently serving as commander, Expeditionary Strike Group Three, San Diego, California.

Golden's $10.8M defense contract

Golden Manufacturing, Golden, Mississippi, has been awarded a maximum $10,800,320 modification (P00024) exercising the third one-year option period of an 18-month base contract (SPE1C1-19-D-1160) with three one-year option periods for various types of trousers. This is a firm-fixed-price, indefinite-delivery/indefinite-quantity contract. Location of performance is North Carolina, with an Oct. 23, 2023, ordering period end date. Using military services are Navy and Army. Type of appropriation is fiscal 2023 through 2024 defense working capital funds. The contracting activity is Defense Logistics Agency Troop Support, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (DoD 10/19/22)

New Hancock RR & maritime dock

Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves joined U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo, local officials, and industry representatives held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Oct. 18 at a new maritime dock and railroad facility in Hancock County at Port Bienville. The RESTORE Dock, the $8.8M project included a 600-foot bulkhead with 40-foot apron, which can accommodate three barges for loading/unloading. The project also included a Port Bienville Shortline Railroad track extensions to serve the dock with rail-to-barge operations. The project was mostly funded by a $7.4M RESTORE grant in 2017. 870,000. Gill’s Crane and Dozer Service of Slidell, La., won the $7.4M construction project. The RESTORE Dock is part of a 35-acre parcel on the industrial canal at Port Bienville. (Handcock County Port & Harbor 10/18/22) Governor Reeves and local officials cut ribbon on new dock at Port Bienville | Hancock County News and Events (portairspace.com)

Regional yards among WB's Top 10

WorkBoat announced its 10 Significant Boats of 2022. From these boats, the Boat of the Year will be announced Nov. 30 on the first day of the 2022 International WorkBoat Show in New Orleans. The Boat of the Year will be chosen by readers by voting online. (An announcement concerning when the voting page will go live is imminent.) Last year's Boat of the Year was the Staten Island Ferry Michael H. Ollis built at Eastern Shipbuilding Group of NW Florida. Regional boat builder selections among the 10 nominees this year include Austal USA of Mobile, Ala; Silver Ships of Theodore, Ala.; Midship Marine of Harvey, La.; and Conrad Shipyard of Morgan City, La. (Work Boat 10/18/22) WorkBoat names its 10 Significant Boats of 2022 | Workboat 

ESG begins construction of 4th Heritage OPC

Eastern Shipbuilding Group began construction this week of Coast Guard Cutter Rush (WMSM-918) - Hull 4 of the Heritage Class Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) program. The OPC is being constructed at ESG's Allanton Shipyard in NW Florida. (ESG 10/19/22) Eastern Shipbuilding Group Cuts Steel for Fourth U.S. Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutter – Eastern Shipbuilding Group, Inc.

MSU partnership research project

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University is teaming with the Mississippi Highway Patrol and Delta State University on a series of research flights this week. The partnership is part of a research project being carried out at MSU’s Raspet Flight Research Lab through ASSURE, the MSU-led Federal Aviation Administration Center of Excellence for UAS Research. The study is part of ongoing efforts to validate detect-and-avoid standards as uncrewed aircraft systems are integrated into the national airspace with traditional crewed aircraft. The research will provide insights and data for the FAA to "incorporate into future regulatory updates,” said MSU Raspet Flight Research Lab Director Tom Brooks. Crews spent Oct. 17-18 conducting multiple research flights daily out of Bryan Field in Starkville. The flights are part of an FAA-funded $1.5 million project that builds on prior research to help the agency develop safety performance standards for uncrewed aircraft systems operating at low altitudes. (MSU 10/19/22)

Energy awareness, seafood month

National Energy Awareness Month and National Seafood Month also take center stage in October.

Military index rated as 'weak'

WASHINGTON - The Heritage Foundation’s Index of U.S. Military Strength finds that as currently postured, the U.S. military is rated “weak” and at significant risk of not being able to meet demands of a single major regional conflict while attending to current engagement activities. Heritage released the 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength on Oct. 18. The release comes as the military faces a full-blown recruitment crisis and two back-to-back years that the Biden Administration has submitted defense budget requests below the rate of inflation. The military has seen a general erosion, but readiness and capacity issues, particularly in the Air Force and Navy, have become so significant that the military’s ability to fulfill its primary mission is in jeopardy. The Index is a comprehensive assessment of America’s military power and relevant to national interests.

Overall ratings: Army: Marginal. Navy: Weak. Marine Corps: Strong. Air Force: Very Weak. (Heritage Foundation 10/18/22) Heritage Foundation Releases 2023 Index of U.S. Military Strength, Gives U.S. Military First-Ever ‘Weak’ Overall Rating | The Heritage Foundation 

15M oil reserve drawdown expected

WASHINGTON - President Joe Biden plans to announce the release of 15M barrels of oil from the U.S. strategic reserve Oct. 19 as part of a response to recent production cuts announced by OPEC+ nations. He will likely say more drawdowns are possible as the administration rushes to pull out all stops ahead of November's midterm elections, according to senior administration who spoke Oct. 18 on condition of anonymity to outline the president's plans. It completes the release of 180M barrels authorized by Biden in March that was to only occur over six months sending the strategic reserve to its lowest level since 1984. The reserve now contains roughly 400M barrels of oil. (The AP 10/19/22) Biden to release 15M barrels from oil reserve, more possible | AP News

McCall: La. oil industry pioneer dies

Norman McCall, known as a true pioneer of the oil industry, has died at the age of 97. McCall was born March 2, 1924, in Grand Chenier, La., where his playground was the Mermentau River. His first toys were small, homemade boats. He graduated from Grand Chenier High School in 1941 and attended Louisiana Tech for a year. In 1942, he joined the Navy and volunteered for submarine duty. He was trained as an electrician before serving 3+years on the USS Jack. During his tour, Jack made seven war patrols in the South Pacific and South China seas. Upon returning home, he immediately began a long, successful and impressive career in the offshore oil industry. He started as a deckhand on vessels owned by Superior Oil Co. from 1946-48. In 1948, he earned a Masters License and served as captain of vessels for Pure Oil Co. In 1957, he became Port Captain for LA-Tex Marine Service — a subsidiary of Brown & Root, based in Cameron, La. During this time, he was also operations manager of all Pure Oil Company owned boats. In 1966, he purchased two used vessels and formed his own boat company — Cameron Crew Boats Inc. He later formed other corporations that owned and operated offshore vessels. By 1996, his companies owned and operated 42 crew/supply vessels. In May 1996, he merged the family-owned companies with Seacor Marine and served as manager of the Cameron office and following Hurricane Rita, the Lake Charles office. McCall was the builder of the first four engine crewboat in 1970, and in 1989, the first six-engine crewboat. He was also instrumental in the delivery of the first 185'-foot crewboat ever delivered in the world as well as the first catamaran crew supply vessel. (Work Boat 10/17/22) Norman McCall passes away at the age of 98 | Workboat.

O&G alarm bells over GoM whales

Global scientists are sounding alarm bells over a threat that oil and gas exploration poses to an exceedingly rare Rice's whale recently found to be a unique species that lives only in the northern Gulf of Mexico. In an open letter to President Joe Biden’s administration, more than 100 marine scientists from as far away as Norway and New Zealand said stronger protections are needed to avoid the extinction of a species that has only about 50 individuals left. The whale is commonly referred to as the Gulf of Mexico whale that prefers deep, dark waters of DeSoto Canyon, one of the busiest commercial areas of the norther GoM located east of Louisiana's coast, where O&G development pose a “clear, existential threat,” the letter says. Despite the whale's challenges, scientists seem to believe it can recover, but it would take significant changes in the way the Gulf is managed. (NOLA.com 10/16/22) World's 'most endangered' whale under threat from Gulf oil industry, scientists say | Environment | nola.com

Workforce, fam biz forums in MS

JACKSON, Miss. – The City of Jackson’s Jobs for Jacksonians program will host a Workforce Development Summit at the Jackson State University's E-Center on Oct. 20. The summit's vision is to create positive economic outcomes that lead to a better quality of life. Panelists will focus on education, and public, private and nonprofit partnerships. The summit is to serve as a preeminent networking event and foster working partnerships among attendees who want to be innovative about their respective processes. (Mississippi Economic Council 10/18/22) Workforce Development Summit Coming to Jackson - Mississippi Economic Council (msmec.com)

Family biz forum at Ole Miss

Family businesses is essential to Mississippi’s economy. The University of Mississippi will host “It’s All Relative” event at the Ole Miss Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Family Business Symposium on Nov. 2-3 in Oxford. The conference is designed to education family businesses on future needs of multi-generational family business. The symposium aspires to be an open forum to share and learn best practices from business leaders. Among speakers will be Bill Lampton, director of Ergon Inc. and Gerard Gibert, founder/CEO Venture Technologies and host of MidDays with Gerard on Supertalk MS. For More information go to https://olemisscie.com/programs/legacy-leadership/

Regional aviation/aero job posts

Regional aviation/aero job postings @ Eaton, Stark, BAE, Aurora, Aeroject plus others. $52k-$109k Junior Aerospace Engineer Jobs in Mississippi (ziprecruiter.com) 

Senior Program Manager - Columbus AFB (Secret Clearance Required) NANA Regional Corporation Jobs - Senior Program Manager - Columbus AFB (Secret Clearance Required) in Columbus, Mississippi, United States (dejobs.org) 

Columbus AFB Senior Information Security Analyst Columbus AFB Senior Information Security Analyst in Columbus, Mississippi, USA | TEKsystems Careers 

HII celebrates 136 apprentice grads

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division recognized its latest apprentice program graduates. Ingalls celebrated 136 apprentice graduates in the classes of 2020, 2021 and 2022, who have invested time in the classroom and shipyard to prepare them for a shipbuilding career. It was the first in-person graduation ceremony in two years. “I am honored to celebrate this elite group of graduates,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Kari Wilkinson said. Enrollment for the apprentice program is competitive, and students work full-time while learning a craft. The prestigious workforce development program has produced nearly 4,000 graduates since its inception in 1952. (HII 10/14/22) https://hii.com/news/hii-ingalls-shipbuilding-celebrates-apprentice-program-graduates-2022/.

Mississippi State University briefs

Blue Star Memorial to be unveiled at MSU

STARKVILLE, Miss. - A first marker of its kind on a college or university campus in the Magnolia State will be unveiled Oct. 18 on the Mississippi State University campus as a reminder of sacrifices made by the nation’s military personnel. MSU's G.V. “Sonny” Montgomery Center for America’s Veterans is dedicating a Blue Star Memorial marker at 1 p.m. at Nusz Hall in a public ceremony hosted by the Garden Clubs of Mississippi. (MSU 10/13/22) Nation’s military personnel honored next week with MSU dedication of permanent Blue Star Memorial | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)

MSU, Tougaloo continue partnership

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University and Tougaloo College are once again partnering to expand educational opportunities in the Magnolia State. MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Tougaloo President Carmen J. Walters signed an MOU to enhance educational and research opportunities for students and faculty, particularly in (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) fields. Under the agreement, the schools will continue to develop options for “3+2” programs, where students can earn a bachelor’s degree from Tougaloo and a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in engineering from MSU’s Bagley College of Engineering and earn graduate credit toward other master’s degrees. The agreement also creates a new undergraduate student semester exchange program and enhances scholarship opportunities for students enrolled in programs covered by the agreement. The MOU will remain in effect for five years. (MSU 10/13/22) MSU, Tougaloo College sign agreement to expand collaborations, STEM opportunities | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu)