Mississippi Sound Coalition Urges Congressional Action on Spillway Management
Members of the Mississippi Sound Coalition convened at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College with U.S. Representatives Mike Ezell and Trent Kelly to advocate for the Northern Gulf Estuary Protection Act. This proposed legislation aims to compel the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to adopt a more sustainable approach to managing Mississippi River flooding, rather than relying on emergency spillway openings. The Bonnet Carré Spillway, when opened, releases freshwater, sediment, and pollutants into the Mississippi Sound, adversely affecting local marine life and industries. The meeting included testimonies from stakeholders like Ryan Bradley, a fifth-generation oysterman, who highlighted the devastating impact of past spillway openings on the oyster industry. The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies reported significant wildlife casualties due to these events. The coalition seeks to modernize spillway operations to prevent environmental damage and protect local economies. 
