WASHINGTON – The Senate has approved an appropriations bill containing $500,000 requested by Sen. Roger Wicker, R-Miss., for the Pascagoula beach park promenade.  The funding was contained in the FY 2010 Transportation, Housing and Urban Development funding bill, which passed yesterday by a vote of 73-25. 

“Pascagoula’s beachfront promenade will play an important part in the city’s ongoing rebuilding efforts by stimulating commercial and retail growth,” Sen. Wicker said.  “The promenade will also add another layer of protection for nearby homes and businesses in the event of a future tidal surge.” 

Wicker noted that before the bill can be signed into law, the measure must now be reconciled with the House-passed version of the bill.

Funding in the bill would go toward the installation of a promenade south of the existing Beach Boulevard to provide a path for pedestrian use. The funds would also provide lighting and the necessary supporting pile structure.