Leaders from Lincoln, Copiah and Hinds counties were vocal in expressing their thoughts and ideas on what their communities need to recover after the storm and to be better prepared in the future. Infrastructure, communication among agencies and plans to take care of evacuees were among items mentioned.

What must be done now is to make sure this area is not forgotten as recovery and rebuilding plans begin to take shape. Commission leaders hope to have their plan ready by the end of the year.

We certainly understand the focus on repairing the coast. And we agree with Jackson City Council President Marshand Crisler's assessment about this area's problems paling in comparison.

Those problems, though, are no less real to area leaders who must find answers. Those answers cannot come in the form of higher taxes or other methods which place an undue burden on local citizens.

Congress must step forward with adequate appropriations to help in the rebuilding process. Federal lawmakers promised to help, but to date their promises have not been fulfilled.

The commission is counting on those funds, its plan and private investment to help the state come back stronger and better than it was before the hurricane. That is a worthy goal in which all of Mississippi should be able to participate.