MDOT Documentary Chronicles Hurricane Katrina Recovery 20 Years Later
JACKSON, Miss. — The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is set to release a documentary on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, offering a behind-the-scenes look at the monumental task of rebuilding the state’s transportation infrastructure. Titled “MDOT Remembers Hurricane Katrina: 20 Years Later,” the nearly 30-minute film features first-hand accounts from those at the forefront of the recovery.
The documentary highlights the stories of the men and women who worked to restore connectivity along the Mississippi Gulf Coast after the devastating storm on Aug. 29, 2005. It includes interviews with key figures like former Gov. Haley Barbour, Southern Transportation District Commissioner Charles Busby, and MDOT Executive Director Brad White. Former MDOT Executive Director Melinda McGrath and several former MDOT engineers also share their experiences.
“Katrina was one of those storms that reset the watch for everyone,” said Commissioner Charles Busby. “It became one of those events that you referred back to over time as ‘before Katrina’ or ‘after Katrina.'”
The film shows the immense challenges faced by engineers and recovery crews. “There were no street signs. There were no landmarks. There was nothing,” said former MDOT Engineer Steve Twedt, P.E., describing the unrecognizable landscape. “Even though I grew up here, I was lost.”
The documentary will be released next week on MDOT’s official YouTube channel, @MississippiDOT. Short clips will also be shared on MDOT’s social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and X.
