Katrina funds: Balancing jobs/housing difficult

The Clarion-Ledger Editorial, 9/25/7

Gov. Haley Barbour is taking political heat for the Mississippi Development Authority wanting to divert $600,000 in federal Katrina grant money away from housing needs to expand the port at Gulfport.

MDA’s decision is poorly timed from a public relations standpoint with a gubernatorial election in full swing, and insensitive to the feelings of thousands of Coast residents living in temporary quarters.

Providing safe, adequate housing for victims of Katrina – still waiting two years after the storm struck – should be a top priority with every available dollar committed.