In August, the Governor of Mississippi announced the formation of GoCoast2020 – an advisory body to guide the Governor and other state officials on the use of BP fine money coming to the state under the RESTORE Act. They’ll be holding public hearings this week, and GRN and our allies will be there working to make sure that they spend this money on strengthening and restoring Mississippi’s coastal environment and economy – not on unnecessary and harmful pork-barrel projects. Can you make it to one of the public hearings too?Oct. 2nd from 6-8 pm: Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College’s Fine Arts Auditorium, U.S. 90, Gautier.Oct. 3rd from 6-8 pm: Long Beach Community Center, 20257 Daugherty Road.Oct. 4th from 6-8 pm: Bay Saint Louis Community Hall, 301 Blaize Ave.These RESTORE Act funds constitute a once-in-lifetime opportunity for Mississippi to create a legacy for conservation and one of our best chances to restore our fishing and seafood tradition by protecting and improving our coastal ecosystems. Come out next week to tell these decision-makers that the environmental health of Mississippi’s coast and communities should be a central priority. Email me at Raleigh@healthygulf.org if you’re planning on attending one of the hearings.Raleigh Hoke is GRN’s Mississippi Organizer.
