The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to release a documentary marking the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, which struck the Mississippi Gulf Coast on August 29, 2005. The film, titled “MDOT Remembers Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later,” explores the restoration of infrastructure through personal stories from those involved in recovery efforts.
Hurricane Katrina required MDOT to undertake significant rebuilding or repairs on nearly every major route along the coast. The documentary features insights from key figures such as former Governor Haley Barbour, Southern Transportation District Commissioner Charles Busby, and MDOT Executive Director Brad White. It provides a behind-the-scenes look at the extensive infrastructure recovery that took place after the storm.
Former Governor Barbour reflects on the recovery efforts, stating, “You know, after Camille, we didn’t do so well, but after Katrina, because a lot of people helped us, we actually did come back better than ever.” Former MDOT Engineer Steve Twedt recalls navigating Highway 90 post-storm: “There were no street signs. There were no landmarks. There was nothing.”
The documentary will be available next week on MDOT’s YouTube channel @MississippiDOT. Short clips will also be shared on their social media platforms throughout the week.
Commissioner Charles Busby notes how Katrina became a reference point for time: “Katrina was one of those storms that reset the watch for everyone.” Melinda McGrath describes widespread damage: “All the traffic signals were down…we lost everything.” Current Executive Director Brad White expresses confidence in MDOT’s preparedness for future disasters: “When weather is at its worst, MDOT is at its best.”
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