Lauderdale County supervisors on Monday took initial steps toward resurfacing Minnow Bucket Road with a unanimous vote to advertise for bids from contractors on the project.
District 2 Supervisor Craig Houston, who represents the Minnow Bucket Road area, has been a vocal proponent for improving the frequently used route. The road was not designed for the volume nor the high speeds of vehicles it sees.
“It’s a wagon trail, and it was not intended for that amount of traffic,” he said.
The resurfacing is being funded through a state appropriation. Senate Bill 2189, passed by the Mississippi Legislature in April, allocated more than $253 million for local improvements projects throughout the state, including an $800,000 earmark for Minnow Bucket Road. The county expects to receive those funds sometime between July and October.
Road Manager Rush Mayatt said getting bids on the project is an initial step to get the ball rolling. That way, the county is ready to move forward once funds are received.
In addition to the Minnow Bucket Road funds, SB2189 also appropriated:
— $60,000 for Southeast Volunteer Fire & Rescue
— $400,000 for a new terminal under construction at Meridian Airport Authority
— $25,000 for building renovations at VFW Post 12124
— $25,000 for various costs at VFW Post 79
— $50,000 for Meridian Police Department SWAT equipment
— $25,000 for Meridian Fire Department equipment
— $300,000 for the town of Marion for Dale Drive improvements
Houston said thanks is owed to State Sen. Jeff Tate for his work in getting the appropriations included in the legislation.