WDSU: Biloxi Declares State Of Emergency After Bridge Collapse (MS)

From WDSU:

The Biloxi City Council declared a state of emergency Monday, a move that could accelerate repairs to the badly damaged Popp's Ferry Bridge.  Mayor A.J. Holloway said he hopes to replace two destroyed spans of the structure within 60 days -- in time for the approaching hurricane season.  “This bridge is critical to our day-to-day travels, and we’re not too far away from the June 1 opening of hurricane season,” Holloway said, “So I want a state of emergency declaration to let our state and federal partners know the enormity of this situation.”  The bridge is one of three that stretch across the bay, serving as vital links in any evacuation.  On Friday, a barge attempting to pass beneath the bridge struck its support pillars, causing a partial collapse.  No one was hurt in the accident.