(The Hattiesburg American published the following editorial on its website on October 9.)
HATTIESBURG, Miss. — State legislators throughout South Mississppi are perturbed — and rightfully so.
What is the source of their consternation?
They were never informed about an agreement between the Port of Gulfport and Kansas City Southern Railroad – an agreement reached in August – to maintain and upgrade 68 miles of track between Hattiesburg and the port.
The agreement (a “memorandum of understanding”) effectually nullifies a legislative plan, approved in 2001, to buy and refurbish the rail line using $40 million in state bonds.
Under the original plan, a container cargo hub was to be created in Hattiesburg.
The Hub City may still benefit from the railroad/port agreement.
But this latest revelation begs the question: Why weren’t South Mississippi legislators and economic development officials informed about the agreement?
The oversight/omission is a slap in the face to dozens of South Mississippians who worked diligently to hammer out the original plan and secure state funding for the project.
Interestingly, officials with the Port of Gulfport and Kansas City Southern Railroad, along with officials for the Mississippi Development Authority, worked together to craft the agreement.
Noticeably absent from the negotiations: The Area Development Partnership and area legislators.
“The Area Development Partnership was surprised by this move and is trying to get a briefing from the port commission,” said Gray Swoope, president of the ADP.
Professional courtesy demands that all parties in a private/public venture – in this case, this would include the railroad, the port and the MDA – make an effort to keep other interested parties informed of any new developments.
This is especially true when the “other parties” have worked so hard on a joint, mutually beneficial project.