FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May 17, 2008


COCHRAN VISITS U.S. COASTAL GUARD STATION


Gulfport, MS, May 16, 2008— Senator Thad Cochran toured the new United States Coastal Guard Station in Gulfport, Mississippi today. The previous facility was destroyed by Hurricane Katrina in August of 2005.

The funding for the new $17 million facility was provided through emergency supplemental appropriations bills passed by Congress following Hurricane Katrina. The station is being rebuilt at the Port of Gulfport.

“I am pleased to have this opportunity to tour the Coast Guard Station in Gulfport,” said Senator Cochran. “ I am impressed by the speed with which the Coast Guard is rebuilding the facility, and I am satisfied that this new station will meet the Coast Guard’s needs and ensure a significant Coast Guard presence on the Mississippi Gulf Coast well into the future.”

Senator Cochran was greeted by several officers and crew members including Captain Ed Stanton (Commander, Sector Mobile), CWO Brandt Martin (Commanding Officer of Station Gulfport), and Lt. Commander Barresi (Project Manager, USCG) who led Cochran through the new facility.

Station Gulfport’s construction is 68 percent complete, and the facility is expected to be finished in the by the end of 2008. The new station will offer improvements, both operationally and aesthetically, over the previous facility.

Station Gulfport Specs:

· Station’s design is in compliance with the City of Gulfport’s requirements and plans for the revitalization of the waterfront district (SMARTCODE).

· The design minimizes ground floor functions and allows rapid evacuation of contents in the event of storm surge. 

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