This text was obtained via automated optical character recognition.
It has not been edited and may therefore contain several errors.

---

14 • WEDNESDAY, MAY 16, 2007
BRIDGES OVER THE BAY • THE SEA COAST ECHO
Echo file photo by Geoff Belcher
Sen. John McCain, accompanied by Bay St. Louis Mayor Eddie Favre and Sen. Trent Lott (not pictured) looks out at the devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina.
steel is just twisted up, it's amazing," Mineta said.
MDOT Southern District Commissioner Wayne Brown explained that the new bridge must be built higher and stronger for future security.
"One challenge of the new bridge will be that the bridge has to be able to withstand not only the water, but even a ship or barge crashing into it," Brown said.
Soon after, several community meetings were held and public input was requested.
At those meetings, comment cards were given out to residents to make suggestions about some of the artwork going into the gateway pylons and the bridge lighting.
"We want you to communicate your ideas to community leaders, we want the community involved in the bridge," said Dan Galvin of Granite
Archer Western.
The gateway pylons are two huge concrete structures that will appear at the foot of the bridge. The pylons will be sculpted with images that best capture the entry into the city.
"We need something to blend it in," Mayor Eddie Favre said.
Residents were also shown a number of different lighting options that are being considered for the
project.
"We want your bridge to have the personality and feel of your city," said Jennifer Matey of HNTB, an architect company which helped design the bridge.
The suggestions made at those meetings forged a plan for the MDOT to develop a blueprint for the bridge.
The $266.8 million dollar contract was awarded to
FAITH IN OUR FUTURE BINDS US AS ONE COMMUNITY
TED & LON
AMY G O
Market in the (Parf^
Fresh ’Produce - Plants § Flowers - Affordable Art
Saturdays 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.
(Pass Christian
‘War 9/LemoriaC <Par^
SodyYforfe
Fitness For Wom^
Circuit ‘Training with a Kicfi
IT'S FAST - IT'S FUN - IT WORKS!
We welcome our Hancock County neighbors! When you cross the new bridge. Visit our new facility, receive
ONE WEEK FREE
When you enroll with us
---------• ---------
Helping Women Live Healthier & Longer
tWe Have
TANNING J
We're adding another tanning bed! (lOmin Stand-up Booth)
Monday thru Friday 7:30am to 7:00pm • 452-5600 324 W. North St. • Next to the Family Dollar
WA-WHO The BRIDGE IS BACK!!!
Pest Control Specialists, Inc.
Licensed • Bonded • Insured	/
w ^Excellence in ^erutce
212 Main Street Bay St. Louis, MS 39520 (228) 467-4336 • 864-1888
?	Fax (228) 467-4114
'* «	e-mail: zanpest@aol.com