City board approves matching funds for North Washington Street repaving grant

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Vicksburg Board of Mayor and Aldermen on Wednesday approved a resolution to provide $200,000 in matching funds for a $2 million federal grant that would launch a long-term repaving project for North Washington Street.

The city has applied for the funds through the Delta Regional Authority’s 2025 Community Infrastructure Fund. If awarded, the grant would cover the first phase of a three-year project projected to cost up to $10 million.

“We have a lot of water and mud going up through Kings until you get to 61,” said Ward 1 Alderman T.J. Mayfield. “This is a project that is long overdue.”

Lucy DeRosette said the matching funds, which would come from an existing roadway account and were recommended by Doug Whittington, are not required but strengthen the application. She credited support from city staff and noted the project’s importance to economic development.

“When we do this, that road will be good for 25 years, and that ensures that those businesses at the port will still be able to function and grow for the next 25 years and get their products in and out of there,” DeRosette said. “So it’s very important for the economic development of Vicksburg.”

Mayor Willis Thompson called the repaving effort both an economic driver and a safety issue, citing concerns raised by video footage. About 14 million tons of freight travel to and from Haining Road each year, according to the resolution.

“We’re working with our congressional delegation to give letters of support for this project,” Thompson said. “Anything that helps get it moving along is a plus for that area.”