releases: https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-bill-cotter
Data license: MIT · Data source: dwillis/congress-press
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| https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/tribute-bill-cotter | TRIBUTE TO BILL COTTER | 2022-12-07 | 2022 | 2022-12 | Republican | Senate | MS | Cindy Hyde-Smith | H001079 | www.hydesmith.senate.gov | hydesmith | https://www.hydesmith.senate.gov/newsroom | scraper | Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 190 (Senate - December 7, 2022) PDF Mrs. HYDE-SMITH. Mr. President, I am pleased to commend Mr. Bill Cotter for his service and contributions to the State of Mississippi in his 23 years of service with the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. Bill is retiring as CEO, but his record of leadership with the commission extends well beyond his latest role. In addition to CEO, Bill has served as the director of Stennis International Airport, as well as the chief operations officer for the facility as a whole, which includes the airport, its surrounding commercial property, and the Port Bienville Industrial Park, located on the Pearl River in southwest Mississippi. While advancing into greater positions of responsibility, Bill's guidance helped the Hancock Port and Harbor Commission meet challenges head-on and achieve enormous success. As airport director, Bill led Stennis Airport's recovery from Hurricane Katrina, and he coordinated the tasks necessary for transitioning the airfield into a disaster response staging area during the BP Deepwater Horizon crisis. Bill's contributions to the agency are also felt through his project management undertakings. Since 2005, Bill has overseen nearly $40 million in capital improvements at Stennis International Airport, which have proved invaluable in enabling the facility to serve as a resource in meeting the aviation needs of both the military, businesses, and industry. The Port and Harbor Commission's maritime business has also thrived under Bill's leadership. During his tenure as chief operating officer, existing docks at Port Bienville were refurbished and improved, and construction is underway on a new 600-foot dock. The Hancock Port and Harbor Commission has consistently fulfilled its economic development mission, and Bill is a big reason why. Through his efforts, numerous companies have located on commission properties, including the U.S. Department of Defense contractor Tyonek Service Group, which performs a wide range of aircraft service operations and has been a vital catalyst in the success of the Stennis International Airport in attracting and serving military customers. In conclusion, the value provided by Hancock Port and Harbor Commission has been made more appealing through Bill's leadership and hard work. The resulting economic growth and development is felt on multiple layers throughout Hancock County and has brought about a quality of life revered by residents and visitors alike. | 1 | 2026-03-30T01:40:41Z | 2026-04-08T03:32:05Z |