WTOK-TV Meridian
3 members of U.S. Congress made a stop in the Queen City
By Ross McLeod
MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - Three U.S. Congress members from Mississippi made a stop in Meridian to speak with local politicians, business leaders, and educators to learn about the progress being made in the Queen City.
“We were all over at the Free Clinic today where there was an expansion of the clinic and some of that was money paid for by some federal money that we were able we as being the delegation was able to send the Meridian. You talked about the $10 million that is going to help Meridian with sewage and water needs. So you know that as a delegation, we want to be able to find infrastructure projects, healthcare projects that need a little extra assistance from the federal government to see those completions, and that’s what we’re over here today talking about,” said U.S. Representative for Mississippi’s 3rd District, Michael Guest.
The delegation is not only helping fund infrastructure projects but also giving back to local non-profit organizations that provide life-changing services for community members.
“We secured 600,000 dollars for the Hope Village for Children to replace five residential cottage roofs, so those children will be safe and dry,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith.
“Maybe that’s the mother in. But we are supposed to take care of children, especially those who don’t really have a voice and to have the opportunity to make some improvements there just to keep them safe. That was just a wonderful opportunity. But when I drove by and I saw it. I thought. There it is. We’re making a difference,” said Hyde-Smith.
The work does not stop at funding. These U.S. Congress members are fighting to bring the KC-46 tankers to Key Field. If the 186th Air Refueling Wing received these new tankers, it would not only boost the local economy but also preserve Meridian’s history of refueling.
“But we have strong competition. The point that we can make not only is the facility we have here, but we invented air refueling right here in Meridian, Ms. The first air refueling on the face of the earth was done by the Key Brothers right here in Meridian. So it makes sense that a community that has supported this concept for so long should be a key contestant,” said U.S. Senator Roger Wicker.
Senator Wicker was also excited about the expansion of broadband internet in East Mississippi. He says if we can provide services like these, the “brain drain” will slow, and Mississippi will be able to keep its graduates in the state.