Mississippi Press
Gautier gets $2.77 million for water improvements
By Warren Kulo
GAUTIER, Mississippi -- The 2022 federal appropriations package signed into law March 11 includes nearly $3 million in funding for the City of Gautier to make improvements to its water systems.
The $2.77 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will be used to construct a one million gallon per day nanofiltration water treatment area in northeast Gautier on property already owned by the City.
The project, which has received widespread community support from elected officials, education institutions, healthcare institutions, residents and businesses, also includes the necessary interconnecting raw water line. The plant is expected to be completed by the end of 2023.
“The City of Gautier has worked diligently to improve water services for its residents, and I am pleased the completion of the 2022 appropriations process will provide the City with resources to ensure better access to safe, clean drinking water,” said U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.), who serves on the Senate Interior and Environment Appropriations Subcommittee.
“As a member of the House Appropriations Committee, I am proud to have secured this community-funded project for the City of Gautier,” said U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo (R-Gulfport).
“This investment will result in clean drinking water for those who call Gautier home, improving the quality of life for the City. We’ve been working with Gautier City officials to make this project a reality, and I’m thankful to everyone involved in the effort.”
Currently, well water throughout Gautier has a color level that ranges from 50 to 80 units — more than 3.5 times the level recommended by the EPA. The construction of the water treatment plant is expected to lower that level.
In addition, a three million gallon per day nanofiltration plant is in the design phase and, once constructed, would serve citizens in southern Gautier. In 2020, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers approved $2.5 million in funding for that project.