Extra Mile Podcast: Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby

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*INTRO MUSIC*

(Paul Katool) That's nearly 2 billion and that's money that's going to be spent on improving safety, enhancing mobility and improving economic growth and development in the state of Mississippi.

(Will) Yeah. And with this historic funding from the legislature, new construction will be popping up all over Mississippi.

(Drew Hall) MDOT presents the Extra Mile Podcast.

(Brad White) Men and women of the Department of Transportation are up to the task and up to make sure that we deliver a product that the taxpayers can be proud of. So I'm ready for us to go to work.

(Paul) Welcome in to another edition of the Extra Mile Podcast Legislative Session presented by the Mississippi Department of Transportation. I'm MDOT Deputy Director of Public Affairs Paul Cattull. And as always, I'm joined by my cohost will craft. He is the director of public affairs here at the agency.

Today, we're welcoming back to the show Southern District Transportation Commissioner Charles Busby. If you remember, he of course has joined us before he was in the legislature previously three terms in the Mississippi House of Representatives, and he served as house transportation chairman starting in 2016.

So Commissioner Busby Thank you so much for joining us today.

(Charles Busby) Thanks, Paul. Glad to be here. Will, good to see you again.

(Will) Absolutely. Yes, sir.

(Paul) Happy to have you.

(Will) So, uh, so things have been rolling along, right? So we got January behind us coming up on closing. Seems like February is over. March ahead. You getting everything under your feet over there at the office?

(Charles) No. No, in short term, no, uh, you know, I get, I get all confused now. I've got two phones, I've got two computers, I got a couple of trucks and nothing is ever where it's supposed to be. I'm used to my stuff being in one spot and now it's just scattered and I can't find anything. However, um, I am enjoying it.
Uh, we are drinking from a fire hose. Uh, we're still waiting on DFA approval. I think actually in the commission meeting tomorrow, we've got the lease for my office in Pascagoula. So hopefully we'll be able to build some structure around that. I think DFA has to approve the lease after the commission approves it tomorrow.

And then, uh, then we'll get set up and get a little more organized. The staff is coming together, you know, pulled together. I, I'm breaking the 27 counties down into three sections of nine counties each. And assigning, uh, constituent liaisons for each of those three areas. Uh, Ross Baker's got the southeast part of the district, uh, Sudden McCray has got the northeast part of the district, and we're still looking for that person over in the southwest.

We hired a great administrative assistant, Taylor Sublett. She'll be holding down things at the office in Pascagoula. Uh, so I believe over the next few weeks, as we get the office set up, we all got a place to go that, uh, it'll, it'll get even better. I've got a great, I'm really, really proud of the crew that I've been able to put together.

They're doing a great job and it's just going to get better as we go from here.

(Will) That's right. Love it too. I didn't realize you hadn't even got your office set up yet, man. Okay. I bet you have been drinking from the fire hose trying to pull things from place to place.

(Charles) Yeah, yeah, I just can't, I can't even keep up. Wallet, phones, checkbook, you know, where is, where is that stuff? And uh, so it'd be nice to have a, have a place where we can keep everything.

(Will) I imagine so. Yeah, that's right. Um, you know, talking about switching up and getting into new roles, you got lots of new faces joining at the legislature across the street over there. Um, if you touch base with your old buddy, uh, Steve Massengill.

(Charles) Oh, I have, you know, Steve was destined to take that spot. He spoke at the MEC scrammer last week, did a great job. He's going to do a fantastic job of representing the transportation industry in the legislature. And I've had Conversations with the Speaker and Chairman of Ways and Means as well. Chairman Lamar and I talked last week.

Everyone's looking for recurring revenue. Such as, yeah, they're not obligated. So, such as, you know, a portion of the use tax and things like that, that we perhaps can put into, uh, to our infrastructure needs here and have recurring revenue that we can count on. You know, I, uh, I don't know how we need to fix what we did in 2018 as far as the electric and hybrid vehicle tax, because what we're doing there now only taxes those vehicles that are registered in Mississippi.

So only Mississippi residents are paying those fees, whereas if we're really going to have electric vehicles coming through the state, traversing the state, going to other places when we charge those vehicles. We need to be getting something from those vehicles, such as what we do now with fuel tax. You know, when they fill up in Mississippi, we get that fuel tax revenue, but we don't do that with the electric vehicles.

And we, we need to do some research to find out how others are doing that. And, and, you know, I don't think we need to reinvent the wheel. Surely someone out there has got that done, but that's, that's one of the things we need to do. Really excited about, uh, some changes maybe in the lottery proceeds and, uh, and also sports betting.

You know, uh, the The availability of mobile sports betting, I think is going to increase that revenue stream significantly. I've heard numbers up as high as 55 million. And if you guys remember back in 2018 when we were considering the lottery, the experts came in and told us that the most that we could expect would be 53 to 57 million.

So if these guys are as off as the lottery guys were, we can expect another revenue stream of 150 million coming in every year. So, uh, maybe we can Funnel that to MDOT as well. I think the, I think the lottery program has been outstanding for MDOT. I think we've, we've paved, you know, well over 3, 000 road miles with those dollars.

And, and it's just, it's been a tremendous source of revenue for us and Uh, I think other programs such as, as the ERBR, the Emergency Road Bridge Repair Program, those have been very, very popular. Uh, we've set up something similar to that for, uh, for multimodal and this will be the first year for that. And, and we put, you know, I think it's 40 million on our side in that, but we've, we've got a lot of money on the federal side that we can draw down for those projects.

And that money is going to be available to us over the next couple of years, but it won't take advantage of it then, then we'll lose the opportunity to do that. And so that covers things like ports and harbors and airports and rail and mass transit. So, uh, those. Those investments into our state's economy and into our infrastructure can can provide a tremendous return to the state of Mississippi.

So I'm looking forward to how that that's going to turn out. As I mentioned, the ERBR has been tremendously popular with everyone in the state, including our legislature. So, I fully intend them to fund another round of that. And, uh, keep my fingers crossed. Hope it works out. And then the IIJA match money, uh, that the legislature committed to three years ago.

Hope we'll continue to draw that down in order to get that billion dollars worth of federal money that's in there for the state of Mississippi and IIJA.

(Paul) That's excellent, excellent. So lots of things going on in transportation, kind of want to zero in again on that recurring revenue. Are you hearing good things?

Do you feel like there's an appetite to kind of get that going?

(Charles) I do, Paul. Let me tell you what feels so different today as opposed to eight years ago when I first became chair of the House Transportation Committee. I don't feel like MDOT is having to justify expenditures anymore. I don't think we're having to justify our, our existence, uh, we are, we are working with the legislature on just, everybody knows we've got to have some recurring revenue to keep these roads and bridges up, um, and, and so the conversations are not about justifying our existence anymore.
The conversations have evolved to How are we going to do this? Do you agree that this will work? Is this enough money to do the things that we need to do? And those are much better conversations, much more productive conversations. And those are the types of conversations that we need to be having with the legislature.

And those are the type that we are having with the legislature right now.

(Paul) That's great news. Great news for everyone.

(Will) And one thing we've talked about on, in the past, I think on this podcast and certainly, you know, across the street over there and at the Capitol, you know, that sustaining revenue goes further just than just the next project, right?

You're talking about the maintenance of those projects in the future, which is kind of what we found ourselves in that bind a few years back when, you know, We had to basically devote most of our funding to maintaining what we had. And so, you know, thinking about putting that burden

(Charles) As everybody knows, you know, we had a moratorium on capacity projects for, gosh, 10 years.
And then the huge supplemental, uh, appropriation last year of 630 million dollars, 450 million of that. Committed to, uh, to capacity projects across the state, which goodness knows, we needed that. We absolutely needed that. But I think those, some people are a little frustrated in not seeing a lot of activity around those projects.

But, You have to think about what happens there. There's a lot of engineering goes into there's a right away acquisition. We had pretty much gotten rid of our right away acquisition department here at dot. And now all of a sudden we had to have a back, uh, because now we're requiring right away again. And then those designs that might have been done 10 years ago have to be double checked to be sure that they meet current federal highway safety guidelines.

And so it's not something that happens overnight, however, we are beginning to get there where those contracts are going to be let and we're going to see some of those capacity projects actually moving some dirt around.

(Will) You got some, there's, uh, is there any big ones on the coast coming through?

(Charles) Oh yeah, we're, you know, we're in the throes of Highway 57 right now that is going to be four lane from I 10 up north of Van Cleve to relieve some congestion there.

Uh, that project I'm going to say is probably in the 30 percent complete range, something like that, uh, based on my novice eye. And then the, uh, the congestion on Highway 90 between Gautier and Ocean Springs, especially, uh, when Ingalls gets, uh, is going to work. coming out or getting off of work. The congestion there is really, really bad.

And so we're putting in another lane to make that three lanes in each direction from from Dolphin Drive in Gautier on to the west side or excuse me, the east side of Ocean Springs.

(Will) That would be great.

(Paul) Lots going on the coast for sure. So any other projects kind of in the southern district you want to just talk about?

(Charles) Widening a widening of of I 10.Uh, there around Diamond Head, it's going to be a big project and, and everybody's excited about Buc-ee's. Absolutely. Everybody's excited about Buc-ee's, I mean, and, and I've talked to so many people who have not put this into perspective, you know, they, many of them have gone to the Bu-cee's over in Alabama.

That's the closest one to us and they go, wow, that thing is magnificent, it's huge. How do they do that? Well, that is actually the, the smallest standard size Buc-ee's that Buc-ee's builds. Oh, I So, the one going into Minge Avenue at Pas Christiane is the second smallest. They only have three sizes. So, this is the middle one, and I think the one over in Alabama, and I shouldn't, I shouldn't throw these numbers out there because people are going to throw them back and tell me I was wrong, but I think the one over in Alabama has 70 gas pumps, and I think the one at Minge Avenue is going to have 140.

Just to put things in perspective, if you've seen that, so it's a, that's a really, really huge investment. And, uh, I know the people around there are excited about it, except perhaps those who live on Minge Avenue, uh, that are having to live with the, with the disruption. But we're doing the best we can with that.

Um, you know, we had to have some lane closures to replace the overpass, to enlarge the overpass. And, uh, I think it's some short term pain for some long term gain there.

(Paul) Absolutely. Hey, I want to do the podcast from the Buc-ee’s when it, when it opens. What do you think? Maybe they'll let us do that.

(Charles) The live podcast from the Buc-ee’s.

(Will) Fantastic idea. We get the hot brisket announcement on there and everything. Uh, and that's, you know, everything's going, going along, moving quickly through the legislative session. Uh, how about as far as, you know, you mentioned a couple of things you got going on. How about as far as things you're looking forward to working on as commissioner from coming over?

(Charles) Well, you know, even though I was chair of the House Transportation Committee for eight years, I will, I will willingly admit I'm starting from a position of ignorance, though it may not be a level of ignorance that most that haven't been around it would be at, it's still a level of ignorance. So I'm, I'm, I'm watching and listening and learning.

And Commissioner Simmons, Commissioner Caldwell have been great teammates and they've, they've tutored me and, and helping bring me along, uh, to figure out how we do things. Um, I know my crew and I went on the road last Friday as we went around. Uh, delivering approval letters for TAP grants. Oh yeah. And I really enjoyed that process.

You know, we went to, we were in Leakesville at 9 o'clock and we were at Laurel at noon and we were down in Wiggins at 2. And uh, just hand delivering those letters of approval and seeing those communities so excited about things like that. Um, you know, TAP grants, transportation alternative pro, uh, projects that, that not roads and bridges, but.

But, or something to do with infrastructure, mostly sidewalks. So, so it's great. To be doing those sorts of things. It's great to feel that that camaraderie sure that we are developing with the cities within the within the district. And, uh, it was it was a lot of fun and very fulfilling for me. And I like to see us continue those those sorts of things.

(Will) Those are always unique and really great projects. I've enjoyed several of those in the Hattiesburg area myself. Uh, always really great projects.

(Charles) Yeah, I would, these, these, these mayors were so excited. It was the very first one that Leakesville has ever gotten. And the very first one that Wiggins has ever gotten.

And I think it might have been the first TAP grant that Laurel has gotten. Okay. And they have done so much with their downtown. I mean Mississippi can just look at Laurel as a shining example of what can be done when you set your mind to it. Of course, haven't hit TV show. Base there, doesn't hurt.

(Paul) No doubt.

(Will) And I mean, I'll just echo that. It does look great over there. I mean, they've done a whole lot. And, you know, even aside from the TV show, the stuff you've seen. If you haven't visited Laurel lately, go check them out.

(Charles) Oh yeah, and Mayor McGee is just as good as they come.

(Will) Wide open.

(Paul) There you go, there you go.

So, uh, obviously you're over here with us. We'll finish out with some fun questions, but you still pay attention to kind of generally what's going on over at the legislature? Anything you have your, your eyes or ears on?

(Charles) Paul I'm hooked on it.

(Will) Could you possibly pull away? Yeah, right.

(Charles) No, I, I do. I find myself, uh, you know, still listening to Supertalk every day and, and still, uh, Tying in to their webcast when they're in session and, uh, and seeing what's going on.

You know, there's, uh, there's, I think one of the most interesting things for me is the potential rewriting of the school funding formula. Uh, I have, uh, you know, I, being the engineer that I am, I'm, uh, I was very interested to see exactly how MAEP worked and, um, And I think going to a student weighted, student weighted funding formula is probably a better fit for Mississippi.

I, I think, I think I'd like to see us move in that direction. Um, but, uh, the legislature is being bold. They're, they're, they got some bold goals this year, for sure.

(Will) There's a lot going on. That's right. Fresh off the elections, all the items are on the table. I'm glad that I'm not having to make those decisions though.

Well, that being said, we will roll into some of our funner or more fun segments, excuse me, out there, uh, my English folks, um, a couple of quick ones. And like I said, you know,

(Charles) Why do I feel I'm going to get set up here?

(Will) No, not at all.

(Paul)No way.

(Will)These are the, these are the best ones. You know, you're not new to the show.

You know what we're, we're about here. We like to eat and uh, you spend a lot of time running around. Uh, so have you hit up any place new lately?

(Charles) Oh, you know, yeah. Today, as a matter of fact,

(Will) Perfect time.

(Charles) We went to Bouge Chitto Boys today, uh, for the first time and, and had, Great lunch there with Albert White from District 7, our district engineer from District 7, uh, yeah.

(Will) You gotta watch out for those District 7 guys. They'll put you somewhere to eat and you won't be able to function that afternoon. You'd just be so full.

(Charles) Yeah, so I quickly text Vince Mangold, who's the representative for that area, told him what I had just done and he said, yeah, it's one of his favorite places as well.

And, uh, he said, the fries, they're fantastic. I said, yes, they are. It took a lot of focus for me to make sure I didn't devour them. I just, you know, ate a couple of just see how they tasted and put them away, get them away from me, get them out of my sight.

(Will) You know, I was raised, you got to make a happy plate.

You're supposed to, you put it on your plate. It comes on your plate. You're supposed to eat it all. Yeah. Maybe not the best advice.

(Charles) I was raised that way too. And I was too good at it.

(Will) I’m still improving. I'm still getting better.

(Paul) Nothing wrong with a little eatin so, we go to the, from the food question, I don't know if we hit this, uh, hit you with this the time before, but, we love the music question, as well, so, favorite concert you've ever attended?

(Charles) Favorite concert I ever attended. You know, it might have been Kenny Chesney right over here in Brandon just last year. All right. Yeah, it was, that was a heck of a show. I think Carly Pierce opened for him and uh, Kenny just showed so much energy and it was hot. It was the middle of summer. It might, I can't remember whether it was last summer, summer before, it must've been summer before because last summer I was kind of busy campaigning and stuff, but um, you know, that, that, that, that was a really, really fun concert. So I enjoyed that. We were pretty close to the stage and I don't know. It's just just a great evening.

(Will) It feels like it has to be hot for a Kenny Chesney concert. I don't know.

(Charles) It kind of fits, doesn't it?

(Will) That seems like it goes hand in hand. And shout out to the folks in Brandon. I know that's outside the district, but we can spread some love around.

That is a nice amphitheater over there.

(Charles) It really is. And Mayor Lee, it's always nice to have us over there.

(Will) That's right. And some of the bands and some of the talent that have come in, it's just really impressive. I love what they're doing over there. Uh, last question for you, and this is a little bit of a new one we've had fun with here lately.

(Charles) Oh, boy.

(Will) Your first car. Do you remember what your first vehicle was?

(Charles) I do. My first car was a 1976 Chevy Malibu. Two door.

(Will) Oh, fantastic.

(Charles) Uh, midnight blue.

(Will) And you felt like king of the town when you got the keys, right?

(Charles) I, I did. Yeah, I did. I was not, but I felt like it.

(Will) That's all that matters. It's in our head.
Confidence is key.

(Charles) I mean, the upholstery was ripped to all the pieces, but, uh, it's still a cool car. I wish I could find it. If I could find it today, I'd buy it.

(Will) I was just about to ask if you still had it by chance.

(Charles) I do not have it. Uh, but if I could find it today. that today I would buy it.

(Will) I love it. 77

(Charles) 76

(Will) 76 Chevy Malibu.

(Paul) That's cool. Podcast listeners. Do your thing. If you can hook the commission.

(Charles)Yeah, that's right. Yeah.

(Paul) Absolutely. Well, Commissioner Busby, you're a busy guy these days. Thank you so much for coming in and visiting with us.

(Charles) Thanks, Paul. Thank y'all. Thanks, Will. Thank you for having me.

(Paul) Yes, sir. Absolutely. We'll wrap things up.

Thank you to our listeners or viewers for tuning into the extra mile podcast. You can listen to watch episodes by visiting go mdot.com forward slash the extra mile, follow us on social media at Mississippi dot is the handle. We want to thank Drew Hall, our editor producer for doing everything behind the scenes and remember to drive smart out there on Mississippi highways.