Congress We Need Help Now

The following are a mix of pictures I've taken in Gulfport and Biloxi after Hurricane Katrina. These are but a small sampling of the number I've taken and from just a few areas. I took some yesterday and realized that I could continue to take pictures of the destruction day after day and still they would only give to someone who hasn't seen it with their own eyes only a small indication of what we are facing as far as rebuilding. Progress in some areas is measured by how much debris has been picked up. In other areas, businesses and homes have already had repairs made. But along the immediate Coast, the progress is seeing the debris piles disappear.

There is a debate going on in Congress over the budget. I know a lot of people are concerned about the budget deficit and want to see spending trimmed. I would usually be among the first to say yes, don't pass the budget until more cuts are made. But this time around the budget debate is holding up much needed funds for us to rebuild and repair major highways. Unlike Louisiana, our governor has a realistic request of around $40 billion to help our recovery efforts in Mississippi. The money Mississippi needs can be allocated out of existing funds without adding to the budget deficit. They are part of the emergency funds already earmarked and would not affect by very much what is already in there.

There are two bridges that need to be rebuilt and one that needs much needed repairs. Highway 90 is a major thoroughfare that links all the Coastal cities from Pascagoula to Waveland. It is washed out in places.




Windjammer Condos on the left and the Beau Rivage on the right.
The condos will more than likely have to be torn down. The Beau Rivage has set-up an re-opening date of August 29, 2006, the one anniversary of Katrina. Biloxi





I had to include a shot of my favorite watering hole when I was in my early 20's. The Upstairs Downstairs, Biloxi










Cars and houses ended up in the oddest predicaments. Off Water St, Biloxi









I used to go to this church when I was a child. First Baptist Church, Hwy 90, Gulfport MS








The feel and smell of thousands of books was wiped out in 8 hours of pure destruction. Gulfport Main Library, Hwy 90










Bikes also ended up in weird predicaments. In front of the slab of where the White Cap Restaurant used to be. Gulfport Small Craft Harbor, Hwy 90









A note to clean-up crews. A live bait shop next to the boat launch ramps at Gulfport Small Craft Harbor









Sunset, D'Iberville








Clicking on images will enlarge them

Linked: Knockin' On The Golden Door