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GULFPORT — When Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005, county leaders anticipated more residents and businesses as people tried to move out of harm’s way.
Now, nearly four years later, that growth has slowed some, but Harrison County still offers people quiet country living while still being close to the beach, recreational facilities and other attractions.
By the end of the year, the county will have begun work on a variety of projects, including a governmental complex and new downtown library branch, a parking garage near the courthouse in Gulfport, a Biloxi Courthouse annex, a new main library in Orange Grove and a Health and Human Services building in Pass Christian.
In the spring of 2008, county leaders and planners from Ohio State University held community meetings and drew up master plans for each one after getting input from the public. Planners also held a meeting to get input on what people would like to see on the beach. All of these smaller plans have been included in one master plan for the county.
Some of the ideas brought about during these meetings are starting to come to fruition.
By the end of this year, residents and tourists once again will enjoy walking on the boardwalk. The wooden one that Katrina turned into splinters is being replaced with a concrete one from Biloxi to Pass Christian.
Other plans for the beach include a dune and walking and biking trails.
“The beach plan provides something for everybody along the entire 26 miles,” said Glenn Mueller when the beach plan was presented last June. Mueller lives in Long Beach and owns RPM Pizza. “It’s our biggest asset and now we’re taking advantage of it.”
Since Katrina, businesses have contributed more than $200 million in capital investments along the Industrial Seaway, which runs from Bernard Bayou to Interstate 10. More than 2,000 jobs have been created.
The Harrison County School District built two new schools, D’Iberville High and West Harrison High, and both can be used as shelters in the event of a hurricane. Each school is self contained and can hold up to 3,000 people.
The planned community, Tradition, is being built in the county on Mississippi 67 and will include schools, restaurants, medical facilities and offices.
The new campus of William Carey University will open this fall, just across the highway from Tradition.
At a glance
Background: At 581 square miles, Harrison is central among three coastal counties.
Main roads: The scenic U.S. 90 runs from the Biloxi Bay to the Bay of St. Louis.
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