By By Sharon White/The Meridian Star
March 18, 2001
U.S. Rep. Chip Pickering had some encouraging news Saturday about the Meridian Naval Air Station's status, should there be another round of base closures.
Pickering, Mississippi's Third Congressional District congressman, was in Meridian as a Habitat for Humanity volunteer. He took a minute from hammering up boards and positioning rafters to talk about the base and other matters.
That information came from good authority, Pickering added.
Pickering said he believes the question now is not whether NAS Meridian is going to lose anything, but what can be added.
In addition to possibly becoming the home base of the Super Hornets, the Navy's top fighter jets, Pickering said other missions for the local base are currently under consideration.
On another issue, things may also be looking up for Mississippi's poultry farmers who have been hurt by unexpected high energy prices during the last 12 months, he said.
In addition, he said before Congress breaks for the Easter holiday, he expects the House to consider repealing the marriage penalty, expanding the child tax credits from $500 per child to $1,000 per child, and repealing the death tax.
Sharon White is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. E-mail her at swhite@themeridianstar.com.