[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 190 (Wednesday, December 7, 2022)]
[Senate]
[Pages S7026-S7027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                         TRIBUTE TO BILL COTTER

 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.

[[Page S7027]]

  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.
  With his retirement from the Hancock County Port and Harbor 
Commission, I thank Bill Cotter for his long and dedicated service to 
Hancock County, my State, and our Nation. I wish him a retirement 
filled with opportunities for him and his wife to spend time with their 
children and grandchildren.

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