MSU education, performing arts center begins construction

The $23 million second phase of Mississippi State University's Riley Education and Performing Arts Center in Meridian, Miss., recently began construction.

White Construction Co. is the project's construction manager.

During the project, White will restore Meridian's Grand Opera House and renovate the historic Marks-Rothenberg Building, turning it into a conference and education facility.

The preserved opera house will host music, theater and dance productions. The Marks-Rothenberg Building will serve as a site for conferences, seminars and workshops and as a downtown campus for MSU and Meridian Community College.

Roy Anderson lands Navy project

A $20 million design-build project will construct a U. S. Joint Maritime Operations and Training Facilities at Camp Lejune in Jacksonville, N. C.

The contract was awarded to Roy Anderson Corp. of Gulfport, Miss. Construction will be finished in 2007.

The facilities will include boat maintenance and supply areas, headquarters buildings and classroom instruction buildings and an armory. Both the Marines and the U. S. Coast Guard will use the facilities.

Also included in the project is the demolition of five buildings.

Myriad Botanical Resort planned for Tunica

A $900 million, 540-acre resort is currently planned in Tunica, Miss. The casino resort would be the largest in Mississippi upon completion.

The Myriad Botanical Resort is expected to generate 3,000 jobs.