A second opportunity is not given to make a first impression, so it is important that the first impression be one to remember. With I-10 as the gateway to coastal Mississippi from Alabama with more than 40,000 guests annually, there was a need to upgrade the current Mississippi Welcome Center to help create a positive impression for guests.
Charles Busby, Transportation Commissioner for the Southern District was tipped off that the conditions at the current facility were in need of repair. Upon further inspection, the word he used to describe the condition was “deplorable.”
Photo credit: Charles Bubsy FB
“When I went to inspect the property personally, I was appalled to find that this was the first impression we were giving visitors to our state,” Busby said of the 30-plus year-old structure made of St. Joe brick build to look like a southern home. “A north side dormer window was busted out and covered by a piece of paneling that had been duct-taped in place for more than five years.”
He continued his inspection and found busted porcelain tile in the restrooms, dilapidated vending machines on the porches. “For all who have worked hard to create a positive impression of our state, the Welcome Center dealt a tremendous blow.”
That was when Busby was serving as State Representative for District 111. When he was made Transportation Commissioner, the Welcome Center became one of his priorities.
And that priority is coming to fruition as the current facility will close around July 1 to be demolished before a new, state-of-the-art facility will be built.
“I worked with staff to secure funding and then with the architect to share my vision for the new center,” Busby said. “I think the firm of EGH did a great job of capturing that vision.”
During the construction process, there will not be an operating welcome center, but Busby said the final product will be well worth the wait.
Mississippi Senator Jeremy England has publicly thanked Commissioner Busby for this work and said he had been receiving calls concerning the condition of the I-10 Welcome Center for many years.
“With all of those calls and emails in mind, I’m very proud to share the great news that we are getting a brand-new Welcome Center,” he said. “It will be top-notch.”
Sen. England is asking that everyone be patient during the construction process when the center closes in the next month or so.
Photo credit: Senator Jeremy England FB
“It will all be worth it for all of us, and importantly, for our visitors!” England said. “Also – a big “Thank You” is in order for Southern District Transportation Commissioner, Charles Busby. He was instrumental in getting this done and made it a top priority when he was elected four years ago.”
The Mississippi Department of Transportation has posted a message to its Visit Mississippi website notifying constituents of the upcoming facelift to the Jackson County Welcome Center.
“The current Welcome Center facility is scheduled to be demolished and rebuilt as part of a major infrastructure improvement project by MDOT,” the notice reads. “The new Welcome Center is expected to provide modernized visitor services and enhanced accommodations for travelers entering Mississippi along the Gulf Coast.”
Current projections indicate that construction and rebuilding efforts will require a minimum of two years. As a result, the Jackson County Welcome Center will be closed and remain closed while the new structure is built. MDOT says that while the temporary closure presents challenges, the long-term outcome will be a new and improved Welcome Center designed to better serve travelers and showcase the Mississippi Gulf Coast for years to come.
MDOT also shared images of the renderings for the new Welcome Center that is slated to welcome guests in 2028.
