Ezell Hosts Water Resources Roundtable on the Future of the Mississippi Sound

Today, Congressman Mike Ezell (MS-04) hosted a Water Resources listening session in Biloxi, bringing together federal, state, local, and industry leaders to discuss the future of the Mississippi Sound, the impacts of the Bonnet Carré Spillway, permitting reform, and opportunities to strengthen Mississippi's coastal economy.

The roundtable featured Assistant Secretary of the Army (Civil Works) Adam Telle, Col. Shaw of Mobile, and Col. Scotty Autin of New Orleans from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, members of the Mississippi Sound Coalition, local business leaders, and community stakeholders.

"As Chairman of the Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee, I know firsthand that Mississippi's coast is one of our nation's greatest economic and environmental assets," Ezell said. "Today's discussion brought together the people who are directly impacted by decisions made in Washington and those responsible for implementing them. We had a productive conversation about protecting the Mississippi Sound, modernizing outdated policies, and ensuring the Army Corps of Engineers remains focused on delivering projects-not unnecessary bureaucracy."

During the discussion, Ezell and Assistant Secretary Telle discussed the Army's ongoing efforts to streamline project delivery through its "Building Infrastructure, Not Paperwork" initiative, which aims to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens and accelerate infrastructure projects. They also discussed the Administration's work to finalize a new definition of Waters of the United States (WOTUS), providing greater certainty for landowners, businesses, and local communities.

Ezell emphasized that Mississippi must remain at the forefront of national discussions involving the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and federal water resource policy.

"The challenges facing the Mississippi Sound affect our seafood industry, tourism economy, ports, businesses, and the families who call the Gulf Coast home," Ezell said. "It is critical that Mississippi has a seat at the table as these decisions are made, and I will continue working to ensure our state's priorities are heard."

A significant portion of the discussion focused on the long-term impacts of Bonnet Carré Spillway openings on the Mississippi Sound. Stakeholders discussed the need to evaluate decades-old federal policies governing flood control and water management while identifying solutions that better protect coastal ecosystems and local economies.

Participants also discussed the importance of permitting reform to expedite infrastructure improvements, navigation projects, and coastal resilience efforts while maintaining appropriate environmental protections.

"I appreciate Assistant Secretary Telle, the Army Corps of Engineers, the Mississippi Sound Coalition, local officials, business leaders, and everyone who participated in today's roundtable," Ezell said. "By bringing everyone together, we can continue working toward practical, science-based solutions that protect our natural resources, strengthen our economy, and preserve the Mississippi Gulf Coast for future generations."

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