This approach accrues benefits not only to the Mississippi Coast from a natural resource and economic development perspective as well as all levels of planning and decision-making, but also to all citizens who enjoy the multitude of natural resources in the coastal area. Comprehensive management provides a tool for the integration of development and environmental protection needs while recognizing the interdependence of economic growth and environmental quality of our coastal area. Michael J. Olivier, CED, FM Executive Director Harrison County Development Commission Mr. Olivier is a professional economic developer with over 20 years of experience. He has served four terms on the Board of Directors of the American Economic Development Council and currently serves as Vice President of Sections. Olivier is the past president of the Southern Economic Development Council.
Property rights are a foundation of our Constitution and our country.
These are the issues that loom as a federally mandated Programmatic Environmental Impact Study has been imposed. Recently, federal regulatory agencies led by the Environmental Protection Agency directed the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers to perform a Programmatic Environmental Impact Study for two counties on the Mississippi Coast. The Environmental Protection Agency is offering to pay all costs incurred by any regulatory agency associated with the project. The third coastal county, Jackson County, is not included, although Jackson County is the most industrialized county on the Mississippi Coast. Regulatory agencies are taking liberties in interpreting the language of the Clean Water Act to mean things not directly stipulated.