CDM is helping develop a long-term infrastructure master plan for six coastal counties in Mississippi—Hancock, Harrison, Jackson, Pearl River, Stone, and George—that are experiencing some unexpected population shifts due to Hurricane Katrina. To better support the many displaced residents who are living with extended families for protracted periods, which is stressing and overwhelming existing infrastructure, CDM is masterminding a $3 million study to regionalize water, wastewater, and stormwater systems.
A directive of the governor's office, the master plan is aimed at promoting economic development, protecting infrastructure from future storms, and regionalizing efforts to support current and future demands for all six counties. CDM's portion of the plan would guide the spending of $500 million of funding made available by the governor's office to incorporate smart growth and sustainable development principles that do not stress the infrastructure or natural resources.
Additionally, the plan will look beyond hard infrastructure improvements and consider employing consistent management techniques for decentralized wastewater treatment, establishing ordinances and/or regulations for system maintenance, and strategizing wastewater plant expansions.