Pascagoula's Beach Promenade Included in Senate Plan

The Corps of Engineers currently working in Pascagoula to expand the beach along Beach Blvd. for two miles from Beach Park to the Point.

PASCAGOULA – The Beachfront Promenade Project is included in the Federal Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill approved by the U. S. Senate on Dec. 12 which now awaits President Barack Obama’s signature.

Once signed, Pascaogula will receive $500,000 of the $1.1 trillion spending bill to construct the Promenade south of Beach Boulevard from The Point to Beach Park. Included in this project will be lighting, 10-foot wide walking path, benches, and landscaping.

“The Beachfront Promenade was born out of the Gov. Barbour’s Commission on Recovery, Renewal and Rebuilding, which identified Pascagoula’s beachfront on the Gulf of Mexico as a valuable environmental resource as well as a regional and local destination and amenity,” said Harry Schmidt, community development director.

“In addition to increasing tourism opportunities, the Beachfront Promenade will provide a safe, lighted pathway for walkers and cyclists.”

Funding for the Beachfront Promenade will also enhance the Corps of Engineers' $12 million Pascagoula Beach Restoration Project currently underway to expand the beach along Beach Boulevard for two miles from Beach Park to The Point.

The Promenade will be constructed over the beach being built by the Corp of Engineers and will add to the level of protection from tidal surge for neighborhoods behind the beach extension.

Funding for the Beachfront Promenade Project, included in the appropriation bill by Sen. Roger Wicker, will come from the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriation Bill and the Mississippi Department of Transportation.

Additional grants are being pursued to fund the remainder of the project cost.

Hopes, Dreams, Goals of River Beach Cities

The goal of River Beach Cities is to highlight the attractions found in Moss Point, Pascagoula, Gautier, and Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and surrounding communities -- established neighborhoods and rural areas of Jackson County.

The hope of River Beach Cities is to serve as a continuing commentary and showcase for this southern area of Mississippi.

The intention is to serve as an avenue to attract tourists, educate the local citizenry, and act as a platform for the hopes and goals of municipal and county leadership. As well, the dreams of residents for themselves and their children

Whew! That's a lot to provide in one place.

The name River Beach Cities is appropriate for this area and blog. Nearly every village, town and city in South Mississippi -- considered to include the counties of Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, George, Stone and Pearl River -- community is located somewhere near, on and/or served by a river or ocean beach.

For all intents and purposes, South Mississippi is located on drained swamp land.

My desire is to present a mostly pictorial view, along some with news and features, of the people and places of South Mississippi.

There are plenty of other websites and blogs about this area, so some posts may be redundant. I will strive to give you some unique offerings, that is assured, but there are no guarantees that will happen every day. But I will try.

Feel free to make suggestions and comments when desired.

(Please refrain from negativity, profane language, and comments and information that may constitute libel, slander, plagiarism, and inaccuracy. Provide documentation where necessary.)