People Before Ports
On September 7, Governor Haley Barbour proposed a plan to divert $600 million of housing recovery funds to pump into the expansion of the State Port at Gulfport.
Homeowners are impacted: At least 5,000 households were excluded from the Mississippi Homeowner Asistance Grant programs. It will take $350 million to meet the needs of these homeowners.
Renters are impacted: Approximately, 10,000 low to moderate income small rental untis were damaged/destropyed by Hurricane Katrina. Mississippi's small rental program will only produce 5,000 units tageting 80-120% of area median income. $258 million is needed to double the small rental program.
Businesses are impacted: Without decent affordable housing available, business owners will be unable to to fill jobs, attract applicants or maintain a decent standard of living for current employes.
What can you do?
1. Contact the governor. Let him know you value People over Ports.
2. Write a letter to the editor: Tell people what's going on.
3. Create a petition. Canvas your neighborhoods, schools, and churches. Forward the petition to the governor and MDA.
10-22-07--Housing funds for the port
10-22-07-Opinion: Barbour’s agenda on Gulf Coast drawing fire
10-19-07 Reps ask HUD to reject port request
10-18-07 - 2 leaders in House blast diversion to port
10-7-07 -CON ? Port of Gulfport: Should MDA divert $600 million in housing funds to restore port?
9-27-07--New York Times Editorial: More Housing Woes in Mississippi
Report
PEOPLE BEFORE PORTS: STEPS COALITION PUBLIC COMMENTS
To stay informed about People Before Ports click, contact the STEPs coalition by clicking here.
Contact Governor Barbour: 1-877-405-0733 or 601-359-3150, or by mail at: P.O. Box 139, Jackson, Mississippi 39205.
Copyright 2007 Mississippi Gulf Coast Fair Housing Center. All Rights Reserved