(BILOXI, Miss., July 23, 2026) – At the invitation of Congressman Mike Ezell, the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure’s Subcommittee on Water Resources and Environment will hold a Congressional roundtable on Tuesday, July 28, at 10:00 a.m. at the Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College Hospitality Resort Management Center, Hall A, located at 420 DeBuys Road in Biloxi.

The roundtable will bring together, in-person, members of Congress, the Mississippi Sound Coalition and other invited witnesses. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has been invited. The public is invited to attend, and written questions may be submitted.

This listening session is intended for members of the subcommittee and witnesses to express concerns on numerous issues, such as reform of permitting, Bonnet Carré Spillway impacts on the Mississippi Sound, and other matters managed by the Corps of Engineers. The goal of the session is to bolster relations, community engagement, and discuss possible solutions to problems facing Congressman Mike Ezell’s constituents who live and work in the area.

“Our whole, time-honored coastal way of life is in mortal danger from the polluted waters of the Mississippi River flowing through the Bonnet Carré Spillway,” said Marlin Ladner, Chairman of the Mississippi Sound Coalition.

“We need a healthy Sound,” said Gerald Blessey, manager of the Mississippi Sound Coalition. “This roundtable gives Congress the chance to hear firsthand how the Corps’ management of the Bonnet Carré Spillway and other flood control structures continues to harm our fisheries, seafood industry, tourism economy and coastal communities.”

Event Details:
Date: Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Time: 10:00 a.m.
Location:
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
Hospitality Resort Management Center, Hall A
420 DeBuys Road
Biloxi, MS 39531

MISSISSIPPI SOUND COALITION (MSSC)

https://saveoursoundms.org

The Mississippi Sound Coalition’s mission is to restore and protect the ecosystem of the Mississippi Sound estuary and the way of life and economies of coastal communities that depend on it, based on good science and fair public policy. We seek win-win solutions, preferably by negotiated agreements and legislation, but, when necessary, members who chose to be parties engage in litigation in support of our Mission. Our scientific research, public education, and advocacy are focused primarily on ways and means to avoid or mitigate harm to the Mississippi Sound caused by the Bonnet Carré Spillway and other negative impacts.

The Coalition provides public education on the subject, and, if necessary, engages in litigation. Members of the Coalition include Harrison County, Hancock County, the Mississippi cities of Biloxi, D’Iberville, Gulfport, Long Beach, Pass Christian, Diamondhead, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Ocean Springs, Gautier, Pascagoula, the Mississippi Hotel & Lodging Association and Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United.