Hattiesburg, Mississippi – On Thursday, August 25, Mayor Toby Barker was joined by State Senator Chris Johnson, State Representative Missy McGee, Ward 3 Councilman Carter Carroll and Ward 1 Councilman Jeffrey George to announce multi-phased infrastructure improvements for Midtown Hattiesburg. This includes a comprehensive water and sewer project, increased stormwater capacity, traffic calming measures and investments in walkability.
The water and sewer phase of the project is estimated to cost $2.6 million and will include improvements for South 31st, 30th, 28th and 27th Avenues, Arlington Loop and O’Ferral Street. Construction will begin in early September, with a target completion date of Summer 2023 (depending on weather). This project is funded by the water and sewer fund within the City’s annual budget.
Construction for water and sewer improvements will have some local impacts on daily traffic but will mostly include rolling detours as construction progresses. The first closure is slated for Friday, September 9 at 6 p.m. through Monday, September 12 before 6 a.m.
The roadway portion of the project will include curb and gutter for adequate drainage, as well as sidewalks for South 31st and 30th Avenues and Lorraine Street. A median will be added to Arlington Loop as a speed-calming measure, with a sidewalk on the northern side and a multi-use pathway on the southern side.
While this part of the project has not been submitted for project bid for a full cost estimate, it will be funded by $2.75 million in directed legislative appropriations from the 2021 and 2022 legislative sessions. It will also be funded by a $1.6 million Economic Development Highway Act Grant from the Mississippi Development Authority, made possible by Representative McGee’s HB 1383 (2020 legislative session), which qualified the future Jones Companies Midtown corporate headquarters for additional state investment.
“We are grateful for the work of Representative Missy McGee and Senator Chris Johnson, whose successful advocacy enabled the city to address needs beyond the usual water, sewer and paving components,” said Mayor Toby Barker. “Receiving legislative investment in stormwater infrastructure, as well as walkability, creates roadways that are equipped to handle future growth and enhance neighborhood quality of life.”
Senator Chris Johnson added, “Cities have challenges when it comes to continually updating infrastructure to keep up with the growth and development of both the present and the future. The state has a role in assisting in this work, and I am proud of the work our legislative delegation to secure this funding.”
Construction for the roadway and drainage phases of the project will begin in the spring and last until late 2024.
In total, these improvements include more than $4 million in state funding.
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