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I hope you saw my latest weekly column.



ROGER WICKER: Infrastructure and Education Promise Bright Future
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Over the past month, I have had the privilege of traveling across Mississippi
to meet with students, teachers, builders, and innovators who are shaping the
future of our state. I am always inspired by the dedication of these
Mississippians. As a U.S. Senator, I am eager to support their efforts through
my work on the Commerce, Armed Services, and Environment & Public Works
Committees.

Building New Infrastructure

The recent water crisis in Jackson exposed the need for better infrastructure
in our capital region. Although state and local leaders have led the response,
Congress has played a supporting role through infrastructure investments across
the state, with Jackson receiving $25 million in water infrastructure funds. A
few weeks ago, I met with local community members to discuss the water crisis
and a proposal for flood control along the Pearl River. The Army Corps of
Engineers has committed to providing $221 million for this project pending a
favorable review.

While traveling the state, I had the chance to visit Stennis Space Center, a
longstanding pillar of our space program. Twelve years ago, an unfinished
engine test stand at Stennis was set to be demolished after the Obama
Administration proposed funding cuts. This would have been a waste of taxpayer
investment, and I was able to preserve the test stand through a provision in
the 2010 NASA bill. As a result, the tower is still standing and is now being
renovated by the private firm Rocket Lab. This visit was the second time in
recent months that I was able to join leaders in Hancock County to welcome new
jobs and investment at Stennis.

Mississippi is also in need of expanded passenger rail. Recently I met with
Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Chairman of the Southern Rail Commission Knox Ross,
state and local officials, and residents to discuss the need for an “I-20
Corridor” connecting Mississippi with other national rail routes. I also
continued to push for a restoration of Gulf Coast Rail, which has been halted
ever since Hurricane Katrina. Restoring Amtrak service along the coast remains
a top priority of mine as the lead Republican on the Commerce Committee.

Mississippi Develops New Technologies

Researchers at Mississippi universities are working on a range of technologies
that could be pivotal for our nation. A couple weeks ago, I visited Mississippi
State University and witnessed cutting-edge technologies that will improve
weather forecasting, automated vehicles, and aerial drones. I also spoke at the
Mississippi Competes conference at the University of Mississippi, where
investors and job creators gathered to discuss opportunities for economic
growth in Mississippi. Some of our most promising industries are already being
spearheaded at Ole Miss, which operates world-class programs in ocean and space
research, acoustics, supercomputing, and medical sciences.

Students Represent Bright Future

One of my favorite things to do while traveling Mississippi is to meet with
rising young citizens. Recently I was able to speak to a high school government
class in Flora, a leadership class at Mississippi State, and middle and high
school students in New Albany who had gathered for a Veterans Day celebration.
I also met with a group of high school seniors who helped register their peers
to vote for the first time. Most recently I traveled to Vicksburg, where middle
school students gave me Christmas ornaments that they personally made using
robotics and 3D printing in the science lab. These skills will serve them well
in the future. I am grateful for the promise of these young Mississippians who
will one day lead our state.



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Thank you for your support,

Senator Roger Wicker






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