Ocean Springs News
MEDIA PRESS RELEASE - for immediate release
February 19th, 2010 | For details and information concerning this release, please contact Johnnie Bernhard at (228) 875-2209.
City Planner Prepares for Front Beach Drainage Phase
Ocean Springs, MS – City Planner Eric Meyer says the days of standing pools of water on Front Beach, surrounding the $2.2 million Front Beach path project are soon over. Project Engineers with Brown and Mitchell are scheduled to present the drainage phase of the project to the Mayor and Board of Aldermen at the 6 p.m., March 2nd BOA meeting at City Hall. The public is encouraged to attend.
“The sidewalk project has been under construction for some time and has generated many questions and comments,” said Matt McDonnell, Alderman, Ward 2. “We need an update for the public, so they can ask questions and get answers from the designer and engineers of this project. Front Beach is an extremely vital part of recreation in Ocean Springs.”
“It’s exciting to see the vision of Ocean Springs’ residents come to fruition. Residents will soon have a safe and beautiful place to walk on Front Beach without having to worry about being struck by a car,” said Eric Meyer, Director of Community Development and Planning.
The project plan calls for the installation of trash cans, bicycle racks, benches, lighting, drainage, irrigation and landscaping following the construction of the concrete path. Coastal vegetation will be added to serve as a buffer between the seawall and the sidwalk and to prevent soil erosion.
All concrete work will be completed by the week of March 1. Residents can fully enjoy the 1.2 mile pedestrian pathway connecting the signature mosaic bridge panels by the Biloxi Bay Bridge to the Ocean Springs Small Craft Harbor. The next phase of construction will also begin in early March with the installation of site furnishings – benches, trash cans, and bollards. At this time, the drainage phase is also implemented. The final phases of the project are the installation of lights, irrigation, and landscaping. The project is expected to be completed by fall 2010.
Funding for the project is through a Community Development Block Grant and hurricane replacement costs from Federal Highway Emergency Relief Funds.
