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Perk receives $2.5 million for water system repairs

The first day of a class is always exciting, but a new $2.5 million grant made the start of the academic year even more memorable at the Perkinston Campus. As a record number of Gulf Coast students made their way to class on Aug. 23, college officials were accepting a multimillion dollar grant from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The grant will be used to repair Perk’s 92-year-old water system. Infrastructure problems can be seen in several spots around the campus with eroding roadways and cracking sidewalks. Gulf Coast President Dr. Willis Lott says most of the work will be underground and will literally lay the foundation for future campus growth.

“While the replacement of water supply, sewage and storm drainage systems can’t compare with the glamour of a new residence hall, these infrastructure improvements are absolutely necessary to the safety and convenience of our students and to the growth of this campus,” Lott said.

More than 50 community and business leaders attended the signing ceremony, including Lt. Col. Craig Wells representing the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers.

“We’re very pleased to be able to contribute to improvements at Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. The average grant is usually split at 50-50. For the community college here to able to get a 75-25 percent split is quite an accomplishment and it reflects very positively on the staff and plans here at the college,” Wells said.

Dr. Mary Graham, vice president of the Perkinston Campus, says the improvement project will take 12 months to complete, with work beginning the second week in September.

“There will be some headaches in the beginning for students and staff as crews dig into the problem spots. We hope to complete this project before the start of the fall 2005 semester which will coincide with the opening of our new 102-bed residence hall,” Graham said.

Perk students, like Bryce Wade, understand there will be some growing pains over the next year, but says long term benefits out-weigh the short inconveniences.

“I’m very thankful to have this type of commitment from the college and dedication to students’ educations here at Perk. It's easy to notice the changes going on at the coast campuses and it's good to see those improvement projects coming here to Perk,” Wade said.

Gulf Coast President Dr. Willis Lott (left) watches as Lt. Col. Wells (right) signs a $2.5 million grant into effect for the Perk Campus.

More than 50 business and community leaders attended the college’s signing ceremony with the U. S. Army Corp of Engineers on Aug. 23.

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