County seeks options for King’s Point Island land

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — The Warren County Board of Supervisors approved the lease of land on King’s Point Island at Monday’s, May 18 meeting.

The BOS pledged the highest bid at the Thursday, April 30 Vicksburg- Warren County School District meeting. The land in question is a 643.92 acre tract of land on King’s Point Island. 

The bid came after years of litigation involving landowners on the island demanded the county provide 24-hour seven days a week ferry service. The county was forced to take on the commitment and approved the bid from Smith Towing to provide the ferry service. 

Smith towing will provide the service at a weekly cost of $4,850 to taxpayers which comes to an annual cost of $2,384,200.

The BOS had the highest bid of $100,000. At the meeting Monday, The Board approved the contract for five years of leasing the land at a total cost of $500,000.

Warren County Board of Supervisors President Dr. Kelle Barfield explained this was because the county wanted to have something more to offer the public.

After the approval of the lease, the county is now seeking the best way to utilize the land in order for the general public to make the most use of the land.

“We jumped on the chance to bid on the tract when we learned it was coming available,” said Dr. Barfield. “We wanted to explore options that the land might be put to better use for the public.”

Now the BOS is seeking information from non-profits according to Barfield.

“With the process for leasing the land now near completion, the Board of Supervisors will next determine a process for working with nonprofits and other organizations on proposed use of the property for public good,” said Barfield.

The Board’s next regular meeting is set for Monday, June 1.