Public Safety Complex step closer in Ocean Springs

OCEAN SPRINGS -- A public safety complex that will house police officers, firefighters and court facilities is a step closer to reality.

The Ocean Springs Board of Aldermen on Dec. 01 awarded bids totaling $6.5 million to two construction companies, according to reporter April Havens in The Mississippi Press.

Whose on the Board of Aldermen?

She said the complex -- 38,500 square feet -- consists of two buildings on east U.S. 90. GM&R Construction Co. of Waveland was awarded a $2.7 million contract to construct a fire station and emergency operations building.

Get information on the Ocean Springs Fire Department

and the new chief, Jeffrey Ponson.

Gulf Construction Co. of Gulfport was awarded a $3.9 million contract to build the housing for a police station, jail and court facilities.

Find out about Chief Lionel Cothern

and the Ocean Springs Police Department.

Mayor Connie Moran said the complex is being paid for with $800,000 in city funds, $4.5 million from a food and beverage tax, and a Community Development Block Grant, according to the Mississippi Press at www.gulflive.com .

What happens during

emergency operations in Ocean Springs?

The reporter said land clearing and groundwork have been done and construction could start this month. The complex should be completed in about a year.

Seabees Get New Fitness Center, Barracks, Bigger Firehouse

GULFPORT -- Congressman Gene Taylor and Sen. Roger Wicker were among dignitaries who attended dedications of three new and renovated buildings at the Naval Construction Battalion Center.

Ribbon cuttings were held to celebrate construction of a new fitness center and new barracks, or living quarters, and an expanded fire house for the Seabee base.

The Seabees' official Website said the "fitness center includes an aquatics training facility, a gymnasium with two full size basketball courts, two racquet ball courts, strength and aerobic training areas. The living quarters are for enlisted bachelors at the construction training center.

The facilities are part of a $320 Katrina recovery project, which includes buildings that have been completed and others still under construction.

Get media details about the ceremonies:

Seabees Dedicate Trio of New Facilities

Gulfport base celebrates ribbon cuttings

www.wlox.com Sept. 28, 2009, Monday

Seabee Heritage Foundation Gulfport

www.seabeehf.org

Seabees Provide Mentors for Gulfport Students

www.navy.mil

Read history about Gulfport's Seabees at www.militarynewcomers.com

Fire station land swap

Read about the city of Gulfport's plan

to rebuild the Cowan Road fire station destroyed

by Katrina while trying save jobs and trim the budget.

Gulfport Will Swap Cowan Road Properties to Rebuild Fire Station

www.wlox.com

Another Fire Station For Bay St. Louis

BAY ST. LOUIS -- Construction of the second of two new fire stations to be built here has officially begun now that groundbreaking ceremonies have been held for the No. 2 building.

Bay Breaks Ground on New Fire Station

www.sunherald.com

City officials turned dirt for the new facility to be located on Misssissippi 603 north of U.S. 90. The new main station is under construction at Main Street and U.S. 90, according to local media.