What's Up, Waveland? February 2021

Waveland Alderman Jeremy Burke updates us on Waveland's ongoing road work, and his recent trip to Jackson to meet with the Mississippi Development Authority.
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Road work
Waveland is considering issuing $2 million in bonds to make upgrades and needed repairs to roads. The mayor and Board of Alderman are still in the discussion phase, but I believe a significant amount of money will be invested in roads this year.
Waveland needs an infusion of money for needed re-paving and overlay of city streets. Potholes are being patched regularly, but many Waveland streets require permanent repair. If the bond is approved, Waveland will likely repair selected roads all at one time in order to get a discount in pricing from potential contractors. 
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What's Up, Waveland?
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Waveland is blessed to have a very low crime rate. Most of the complaints I hear from citizens are about deteriorating roads. Some of the streets in Ward 1 haven’t been paved in in my lifetime. I’m optimistic that Waveland will be able to secure low-interest money that will be paid back without raising taxes on taxpayers. The City of Waveland has been a good steward of the public’s money over the years; therefore, Waveland will be able to sell bonds to investors at a low-interest rate. 
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Potholes such as this one at the corner of Adams Lane and Central Avenue are at the top of the city's agenda for 2021.

​Mississippi Development Authority
Waveland Mayor Mike Smith and I recently went to Jackson, Mississippi, to meet with several state lawmakers and the Mississippi Development Authority. Many positive discussions were had about beach improvements projects, GOMESA funding, and Restore Act money from the BP oil spill. Because of COVID-19 restrictions, the halls of the Mississippi State Capitol were relatively empty, allowing us to have more face time with lawmakers.  

Waveland Mayor Mike Smith (left) and Alderman Jeremy Burke (right) meet with District 93 Rep. Timmy Ladner, Chairman of Marine Resources Committee, in the Mississippi Capitol in January.

The trip to Jackson in January was my first trip to the Mississippi State Capitol in 2021. I’m planning on making at least one, but probably two more trips to Jackson before the Mississippi State Senate and House adjourn in late March or April. I know Waveland’s local lawmakers, Rep. Brent Anderson and Senator Philip Moran, are working hard for Hancock County. I believe it makes their job a little easier when the people needing the money are standing beside them when they ask for the funding.