Expected to cost about $20 million, the extensive boardwalk reconstruction project was approved by county supervisors and is seen as an important coastal connection in rebuilding the region?EUR??,,????'???s infrastructure.

This time around, however, the boardwalk will actually be made of more wave-resistant concrete recommended by FEMA. Authorities decided on a material other than timber, to withstand future storms.

More than 85 percent of the boardwalk needs to be replaced and Federal disaster assistance funding will cover much of the cost.

The walkway will extend eastward along the beach from Henderson Point, in sections totaling about eight miles. The other end section will be located near the Beau Rivage Casino and the Interstate 110 loop in Biloxi.

A vertical concrete wall is planned, filled with sand and capped off with more concrete. It will replace the old seawall steps still existing along portions of the beach.

The wall will be eight inches thick to lessen wave damage, making it very difficult for water to get under it.

The construction project will go out for bid once the engineering work is completed. Actual construction could take nine months to a year, if not longer, therefore completion will hopefully be in late 2007.

Source: The Sun Herald