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MISSISSIPPI ARTS COMMISSION
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CLIFF FINCH GOVERNOR
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The Honorable Trent Lott, Member U. S. House of Representatives 2400 Rayburn Building Washington, D. C. 20515
Dear Congressman Lott:
Lida Rogers asked me to respond to your letter concerning the Bay St. Louis statue since I have had all dealings and correspondence with your constituents.
A year ago we received a letter from Mrs. Odile Carter describing the project. I answered and enclosed guidelines for the National Endowment Art in Public Places Program.
In August Mrs. Carter wrote to me again asking for help in completing the application form. In September the Arts Commission held a Community Arts Development Conference in Biloxi. I took advantage of this trip to the Gulf Coast to visit Mrs. Carter and other members of the Hancock Historical Society in Bay St. Louis. I advised them to prepare an estimated budged for the statue project and listed the items which should be included. (They indicated to me that the cash cost would be approximately $10,000 to $15,000.)
On my return to Jackson I tried to call the Mayor of Bay St. Louis, but I was never able to reach him personally. However,
I had a most enthusiastic conversation with his secretary who assured me of his cooperation.
Next I received a letter from Mr. Fernandez (copy enclosed) which I answered (copy of carbon enclosed). The Arts Commission has received no further correspondence from your constituents. We did, however, receive a copy of a letter sent to them biy a member of the staff of the A & I Board (Tourism) suggesting that they request assistance from the Arts Commission.