A lingering issue about what to do with nearly $180,000 in grant funds awarded to establish a deceleration lane on the eastbound side of U.S. 82 in front of Irrigation Equipment is still lingering.
A grant awarded by the Delta Regional Authority is in danger of being returned unless additional money is put into the project.
Originally, the owner of the irrigation company had agreed to put up the required $30,000 match for the grant, but the Mississippi Department of Transportation is now requesting that an additional mandatory deceleration lane be added to the westbound side as well.
That change will necessitate in an additional $30,000 cost outlay for the owner even though a westbound deceleration lane is not needed for the business and the owner is apparently unwilling to contribute the additional expense.
President Glenn Donald said he would ask South Delta Planning and Development to seek an extension and he asked Board Attorney Johnny McWilliams, “Could we put up the $20,000 or $30,000 to make this happen? Donald said it is actually an industrial project and the county has a budget line set aside to help fund industrial projects.
Donald asked his fellow board members to consider contributing the additional funds since the turning lanes could be considered an industrial project. “You don't look good when you send grant money back,” Donald said. McWilliams said he would have to research it, but his guess would be that it could be done.
Donald said the irrigation company produces a lot of jobs and pays a lot of taxes in the county. “If you don't find a way to come up with this other $30,000 the grant is going to be sent back.” He said previously the owner had agreed to pay his portion.
The matter has been discussed at several meetings prior to this one, however Donald is saying now that the county has budgeted funds to enhance industrial projects. He, feels that this project qualifies.
Donald cited safety concerns as a reason for the deceleration lane because now trucks traveling east and turning into the irrigation company have to drive a mile down the highway and turn into traffic, which involves temporarily blocking traffic.
Contingent upon the findings of McWilliams, the board agreed to consider contributing the money.
