MS Plan 4 for restoration, comment

The Mississippi Trustee Implementation Group has released its draft resolution plan #4 and Environmental Assessment: Restoration of Wetlands Coastal, and Nearshore Habitats, Nutrient Reduction and provide and Enhance Recreational Opportunities (PDF, 377 pages) for public review and comment through Oct. 2. 

The plan proposes seven projects for implementation with a combined cost of about $26M.

The draft restoration plan is consistent with the Trustees’ Programmatic Restoration Plan. 

The 30-day public review and comment period ends on Oct. 2. We will accept public comments via https://parkplanning.nps.gov/projectHome.cfm?projectID=118527. 

WH OKs direct mil.sales to Taiwan

The Biden administration has approved funding for the first-ever transfer of US military equipment to Taiwan under a program typically saved for sovereign nations, according to a notification sent to Congress on Aug. 29. 

The package – part of the State Department’s foreign military financing (FMF) program - totals $80M to Taiwan that will be paid by US taxpayers. 

“Consistent with the Taiwan Relations Act (America's) longstanding one China policy, which has not changed, the United States makes available to Taiwan defense articles and services necessary to enable it to maintain a sufficient self-defense capability,” the a State Department spokesman told CNN. 

The US has a vested interest in the stability of the Taiwan Strait, which is critical to regional and global security and prosperity, according to the spokesperson. 

The development in US support for Taiwan has drawn an angry response from China, which claims the self-governing island as its own. 

The US has sold weapons to Taiwan before under Foreign Military Sales. The FMF program provides grant assistance to Taiwan in order to make the purchases for such capabilities as air, coastal, ballistic missile and cyber defenses; plus, drones, military training, soldier protective gear and ammunition. 

It likely will take years for the military support to actually get to Taiwan because the equipment will be folded into future equipment buys by the Pentagon. 

Under the Taiwan Enhanced Resilience Act passed last year, the US is authorized to spend up to $2B annually in military grant assistance to the island from 2023-27. (CNN 08/31/23) US approves first-ever military aid to Taiwan through program typically used for sovereign nations | CNN Politics

Skin bacteria may detract skeeters

Heads up regional viewers, new research at New Scientist suggests bacteria living on our skin could play a role in warding off mosquitoes. 

Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, known to spread infections, may be put off by certain odors produced by the bacteria. The finding opens the possibility of developing a mosquito repellent spray that alters the skin microbiome to contain more of these bacteria. 

Currently, synthetic repellents like DEET are commonly used to prevent mosquito bites.

However, these repellents wear off after a few hours and can sometimes cause skin irritation. 

The discovery that bacteria-produced odors can repel mosquitoes may offer a more long-lasting and potentially safer alternative. 

The study involved collecting samples of bacteria from the skin of individuals who were attractive or unattractive to mosquitoes. 

It found that individuals who were less attractive to mosquitoes had a higher abundance of certain bacteria on their skin. 

By identifying these bacteria and understanding the specific odors they produce, scientists hope to develop a spray that can be applied to the skin to repel mosquitoes. (Press Rundown 08/30/23) Skin microbiome influences mosquito attraction (pressrundown.com)

ICC celebrates 75th anniversary

On Sept. 1, 1948, 114 students began freshman coursework at Itawamba Junior College along with 170 veterans who were enrolled in college. Now, Itawamba Community College is celebrating it's 75th anniversary (Itawamba Times 09/01/23) 75 years of educating: ICC set to celebrate 75th birthday | News | djournal.com

Dewatering of Old River structure

NEW ORLEANS - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers,' New Orleans District has awarded a $34.2M contract to McMillen, Inc. of Boise, Idaho, for construction of a steel system to allow dewatering of the Old River Low Sill Control Structure in Concordia Parish. 

Dewatering is scheduled to occur in late summer and fall of 2024 when the river is traditionally at low water stages. 

“This effort to inspect and repair the Low Sill structure will help ensure the integrity and successful operation of the complex for years to come,” said Col. Cullen Jones, commander to the New Orleans District.

USACE will dewater the Old River Low Sill Control Structure to inspect submerged project features, to conduct subsurface investigations of the foundation material and to undertake any needed rehabilitation or maintenance work. 

It will be0he first dewatering of the structure since repairs and modifications were undertaken in 1987. (USACE 08/31/23) Contract awarded for Old River Low Sill Control Structure Dewatering > New Orleans District > News Releases (army.mil) 

Background: The Old River Control Structure is a floodgate system in a branch of the Mississippi River in central Louisiana. It regulates the flow of water from the Mississippi into the Atchafalaya River, preventing the Mississippi River from changing course. Completed in 1963, the complex was built by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in a side channel of the Mississippi known as "Old River", between the Mississippi's current channel and the Atchafalaya Basin, a former channel of the Mississippi River.

Ports' board meetings for Sept.

* The monthly Port NOLA board meeting will take place at 1:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26. (Port NOLA 09/01/23)

* The Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission's monthly meeting (via Zoom) is scheduled for Monday, Sept. 25, at 2 p.m. from the Robert Kane Administrative Center in Kiln, Miss. To participate via Zoom, e-mail DRubio@HCPHC.ms no later than the Friday prior to the scheduled meeting. A Recess Commission Meeting is slated for 3 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 11. (HCPHC 09/01/23) 

* The Mississippi State Port Authority board of commissioners will meet at 9 a.m. Sept. 28 in the Port’s Administrative Office on the 14th floor of the Hancock Bank Plaza, located at 2510 14th Street in Gulfport. (MSPA 09/01/23)

Reade named entrepreneur of year

BATON ROUGE – The Louisiana chapter of Entrepreneur’s Organization (EO) has awarded Louisiana-based tech entrepreneur Christopher Reade the 2023 Marshall Klein Entrepreneur of the Year Award. 

His respect for individuals of all backgrounds led Chris to create the Ada Lovelace Awards, honoring the contributions of exceptional women in technology.

Reade began his first funded company in 1995 using software he created to provide outsourced email services.

Since relocating to New Orleans in 2000, the company, now called Carrollton Group, has more than 150 employees, split up into sister companies.

His work with Carrollton Enterprise Services focuses on disaster recovery work, finance, insurance, and healthcare operations in Louisiana and across the nation.

Reade also serves as a senior technical advisor for several startups. (Biz New Orleans 08/31/23) Christopher Reade Named 'Entrepreneur of the Year' - Biz New Orleans

MS electrics on way to Fla., Ga.

LAUREL Miss. - Florida is starting to recover from Cat 3 Hurricane Idalia. Now, Mississippi cooperatives - and Mississippi Power - are stepping in to help. There are still more than 18,000 outages throughout Central Florida Electric Cooperative in need of repair.

“We’ll have to replace poles, replace lines, build services back, reconstruct main feeders, along those lines,” Dixie Electric Power Association line foreman Adron Presley. “Mutual aid is a great thing. We’re honored to go help them. They come and help us all the time when we need help.” 

Electric cooperatives across Mississippi are packing and traveling to Florida to aid those who were affected by the hurricane Idalia. For many, this will be not their first rodeo helping another cooperative after tragedy strikes. 

Over the past three decades, personnel have gone to help others with "some type of storm,” Dixie Electric line construction supervisor Tommy Ulmer said.

Some of those going to Florida recall Hurricane Katrina and remembering having neighboring cooperatives come to help. Dixie Electric will be in Florida for seven to 10 days. 

More than 150 crew members from Southern Pine Electric Power Association and Pearl River Valley Electric have departed for Florida. 

Additionally, more than 200 workers from Mississippi Power were sent to Georgia. (WDAM 08/31/23) 

Comeback Coolers packed in Mississippi for Florida hurricane victims: Comeback Coolers delivering items to help people affected by Hurricane Idalia (wlox.com) 

Jackson Red Cross to aid hurricane victims: Red Cross volunteers from Jackson area assisting Hurricane Idalia victims (wlbt.com)

Leach honor for season opener

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Former Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach coached the Bulldogs for three seasons before his death last December. He will be honored during Sept. 2's season opener against Southeastern Louisiana, the school announced Aug. 28. Leach coached MSU to three bowl games during his tenure and seven wins over AP Top 25 opponents, the third-most ranked wins by a coach in program history. The father of the Air Raid offense, Leach went 19-17 during his tenure at MSU. (The Dispatch 08/31/23) Mississippi State to honor former head coach Mike Leach during Saturday’s season opener - The Dispatch (cdispatch.com)

Entergy NOLA peeps avoid rate hike

Entergy New Orleans customers are poised to avoid a regular rate increase on their electric bills after the utility agreed to a deal to lower its proposed hike and have the rest offset by credits.

The City Council will vote on the agreement Sept. 7. If approved, residential customers would see rates stay around $143 per month for a typical customer starting in September 2024. 

Entergy’s residential gas customers, however, would see a roughly $5-a-month increase to their bills, according to the filing. 

Separately, customers of Entergy Louisiana may see bills rise $8 a month on average starting next year, if the Public Service Commission approves the proposed rate increase. 

Logan Burke, executive director of the Alliance for Affordable Energy, said it’s a win for customers not to see another shock to their bills. 

But the organization is concerned about the increase to gas customers’ bills and Burke said programs should be set up to help switch low-income customers from gas to electric heating and cooking systems. 

Separate from the rate agreement filed this week, a $1B plan proposed by Entergy New Orleans to bolster the electric grid is still pending. (NOLA.08/31/23) Entergy New Orleans electric customers to avoid rate hike | News | nola.com

Silver Ships' delivers 9 SSC craft

Silver Ships, Theodore, Ala., recently completed the first deliveries under the Naval Sea Systems Command of seven 36-foot open center console (OCC) vessels and two 26-foot OCCs, under the Naval Special Warfare Surface Support Craft (NSWSSC) contract. 

The Navy has also conducted pre-delivery inspection and testing (PDIT) of three vessel variants included in the contract. 

The contract entails construction of five different vessel variants of the Ambar series Rigid Inflatable Boats (RIBs). 

The surface support craft (SSC) are 26'-foot and 36-foot aluminum deep-vee hulled boats with a protective collar. Both series have a multipurpose deck for carrying various payloads or mission gear.

The craft are used from inland bays and waterways to deep water over-the-horizon transits, in all operating conditions and weather. The vessels will support the Naval Special Warfare community via ocean diver and swimmer support, medical transport, vessel towing and water airdrop training, among other missions.

Silver Ships has also delivered the first SPC-LE2 vessel variants to Coast Guard Station Miami Beach; Coast Guard Station South Padre Island, Texas; and the USCG Maritime Law Enforcement Academy in Charleston, S.C. (Work Boat 08/27/23) Silver Ships makes recent Navy and Coast Guard deliveries | WorkBoat

Aug. 31 history: Diana dies in Paris

Aug. 31 in history 

Shortly after midnight on this date in 1997, Diana, Princess of Wales - affectionately known as "the People's Princess" - dies in a car crash in Paris. She was 36. Her boyfriend, the Egyptian-born socialite Dodi Fayed, and the driver of the car, Henri Paul, died as well. ... read more  * In 1888, Jack the Ripper's first victim murdered  * In 1935, FDR signs Neutrality Act * In 1955, William Cobb demonstrates first solar-powered car.

Austal names 3rd prez in 3 yrs

South Alabama shipbuilder Austal USA has named its third president in three years, capping a period marked by cost accounting issues and a federal prosecution. 

On Aug. 29, Austal USA of Mobile, Ala., reported that its president, Rusty Murdaugh, will be departing the company immediately. 

Murdaugh, who took over as interim president in 2021 when then-president Craig Perciavalle was ousted, will be replaced by acting president Michelle Kruger effective Aug. 30. 

Kruger currently serves as the company's VP of global services and support. (Maritime Executive 08/30/23) Austal USA Appoints Third President in Three Years (maritime-executive.com)

U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) toured Austal USA's shipyard in Mobile, Ala., on Aug. 15. While onsite, Sen. Wicker, ranking member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, saw the shipyard’s steel and aluminum manufacturing facilities and viewed the site of Austal USA’s current expansion project. (Austal 08/15/23)

Sale price for AGG falls $100M+

Seven months after announcing a deal to buy the Avondale Global Gateway (AGG), the former Avondale Shipyard, the Port of South Louisiana (PSL) has cut its offer price by more than $100M for the 254-acre site as officials prepare to pitch the purchase to the state Bond Commission. 

The port and T. Parker Host, the private-equity-backed firm that owns the site, have agreed to the new price of $330M. 

The original price was for $445 million price announced in January that drew skepticism from trade officials, the governor and others who questioned how the PSL and CEO Paul Matthews could justify such a major price tag. 

The PSL board approved the revised deal on Aug. 30, which would give the port control of the site for $280M in cash and a $50M mortgage note. 

The former shipyard was purchased by T. Parker Host in 2018 from Huntington Ingalls for $60M and renamed the Avondale Global Gateway to push the facility to become a hub of trade and light industry.

But despite spending some $90M in environmental remediation and upgrades, Avondale's current owners have struggled to secure anchor tenants, leaving its future growth in doubt. 

At the PSL board meeting, Jason Akers, the bond counsel from Foley & Judell, hired by Matthews to put together the financial presentation for the deal, projected gross revenue at Avondale tripling over the next decade. 

Akers' outlook was based on reports from John C. Martin & Associates, a maritime industry consulting firm, real estate brokers LAI Latter & Blum and others. The Aug. 30 presentation made it clear that Martin & Associates hadn't conducted a full feasibility study of Avondale, only a short report that led to the lowering of the proposed sale price. 

Martin will do a more detailed report for the bonds, assuming the state Bond Commission allows the port to move forward with its bond issuance on Sept. 21. 

Avondale has three current tenants but has high hopes of securing additional industrial tenants in renewable energy and food production industries. 

The deal depends on the port being able to issue municipal bonds to cover the purchase price, a step that requires a vote from the Bond Commission. 

Port officials said they plan to submit required documentation no later than Sept. 6 to the board, which would allow time for a state board vote of the 21st. (NOLA.com 08/30/23) Avondale Global Gateway price drops by $100 million | Business News | nola.com

Aug. 30 history: Thurgood Marshall

August 30 in history

In 1967, the Senate confirmed the appointment of Thurgood Marshall as the first Black justice on the U.S. Supreme Court. 

In 1861, Union Gen. John C. Fremont instituted martial law in Missouri and declared slaves there to be free. (Fremont’s emancipation order was countermanded by President Abraham Lincoln.)

In 1918, Vladimir Lenin shot twice in a Moscow assassination attempt by Fanya Kaplan, a member of the Social Revolutionary party. Lenin was seriously wounded but survived the attack. 

In 1941, during WWII, German forces approaching Leningrad in Russia cut off the remaining rail line out of the city.

In 1945, U.S. Gen. Douglas MacArthur arrived in Japan to set up Allied occupation headquarters.

In 1963, the “Hot Line” communications link between Washington and Moscow went into operation.

In 1983, Guion S. Bluford Jr. became the first Black American astronaut to travel in space as he blasted off aboard the Challenger. 1983,:Guion S. Bluford Jr. became first Black astronaut in space - Mississippi Today

In 1993, “The Late Show with David Letterman” premiered on CBS-TV.

In 1997, Americans received word of the car crash in Paris that claimed the lives of Princess Diana, her boyfriend, Dodi Fayed, and their driver, Henri Paul. (Because of the time difference, it was Aug. 31 where the crash occurred.)

In 2005, a day after Hurricane Katrina hit, floods were covering 80% of New Orleans, looting continued to spread and rescuers in helicopters and boats picked up hundreds of stranded people.

In 2021, the United States completed its withdrawal from Afghanistan, ending America’s longest war leaving the Taliban back in power. 

In 2022, Rescuers in boats, helicopters and high-water trucks brought to safety hundreds of people in Louisiana who were trapped by the floodwaters of Hurricane Ida. 

In 2023, A rare blue supermoon will be visible tonight in the closest full moon of the year. (The AP 08/30/23)

MS pledges help for Idalia victims

PEARL, Miss. - Gov. Tate Reeves pledged Aug. 30 that Mississippi will help victims of Hurricane Idalia.

“Mississippi stands ready to help our friends in Florida,” Reeves said on social media. “(Aug. 29) was the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, and we still remember well how states across the country stepped up to help us. Mississippians are ready to do the same.” 

Forklifts were on the move Aug. 30 at the Salvation Army warehouse in Jackson. Workers were scurrying to load containers with vital cleaning supplies onto an 18-wheeler headed for victims in the path of Hurricane Idalia. 

The Salvation Army is sending 20 response workers to a staging area in Dothan, Ala., ready to move into Florida as the storm leaves the region. (The WAPT 08/30/23) ‘Mississippi stands ready to help our friends in Florida,' governor says (wapt.com) 

Census to release 3 reports 9/12

The U.S. Census Bureau is scheduled to hold an online news conference early Sept. 12 to announce the findings of three reports estimating income, poverty and state-level health insurance coverage in the United States. 

The reports — Income in the United States: 2022, Poverty in the United States: 2022, and Health Insurance Coverage in the United States: 2022 — provide national statistics from the Census Bureau’s Current Population Survey Annual Social and Economic Supplement (CPS ASEC). The event will take place at 9 a.m. CDT.

The Census Bureau will post the reports, data tables and news release online shortly after the news conference begins. <https://uscensusevents.webex.com/uscensusevents/j.php?MTID=ma0d2d192348570b93bae10fe4c49297f> (Census Bureau 08/30/23)

USACE Tangipahoa meets in Sept.

NEW ORLEANS – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' New Orleans District has scheduled two public scoping meetings - Sept. 13-14 - to present information and gather public input for the Tangipahoa Parish, La., Feasibility Study. 

The overall goal of the study is to identify and potentially recommend actions to manage flood risk to public safety and human life and reduce economic damages within Tangipahoa Parish. Over the next year, the study will begin to evaluate the full range of alternatives that could be reasonably considered for addressing flood risk problems within Tangipahoa Parish. 

Two separate meetings will be conducted in Hammond of Sept. 13 and Amite City on Sept. 14 at 6 p.m. 

 The meetings will also be streamed simultaneously on the district’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/usacenola. 

These meetings are a follow-up to the two pre-scoping open houses held in February 2023, and they are being held to give the public, interested parties and stakeholders another opportunity to provide additional input to help identify and evaluate flood risk management solutions to flooding in Tangipahoa Parish. 

USACE Vicksburg celebrates 150th

VICKSBURG, Miss. - The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' (USACE) Vicksburg District recognized 150 years of service to the nation with a formal celebration at district headquarters. 

The event included a proclamation signed by Gov. Tate Reeves. 

USACE Vicksburg District Commander Col. Christopher Klein presented Gene Higginbotham, a longtime public servant for various U.S. Representatives, with the Commander’s Award medal for Public Service of his outstanding contributions. 

The district was founded Aug. 18, 1873, and opened Corps office in Monroe, La. The first permanent Vicksburg office was established in 1884.

The Vicksburg District encompasses a 68,000-square-mile area across portions of Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, that holds nine major river basins and incorporates approximately 460 miles of mainline Mississippi River levees.  (USACE 08/29/23) USACE Vicksburg District celebrates 150 years of service to the nation > Vicksburg District > News Releases (army.mil)

Conrad contracted to build 4 ferries

Conrad Shipyard LLC of Morgan City, La. announced Aug. 29 it has been awarded a contract by the Puerto Rico Maritime Transit Authority (PRMTA) for construction of four cargo and passenger ferries. 

The vessels, designed to carry 300 passengers and 300 short tons of cargo, will operate between the Municipality of Ceiba and the Municipality Islands of Vieques and Culebra in Puerto Rico. Conrad expects to deliver the first ferry to San Juan, Puerto Rico, in late 2024. 

Conrad previously built and delivered two ferries to PRMTA that are still operating in and around Puerto Rico.

"These new vessels will provide the much-needed resiliency that the residents from the island municipalities of Vieques and Culebra need during normal operations and under emergency situations," said Josué Menendez Agosto, PRMTA’s executive director. "Based on our past relationship, we are confident that Conrad Shipyard's dedication to excellence will result in vessels that exceed our expectations."(Work Boat 08/29/23)