Major Sidewalk Project Funded In Water Valley
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Mayor Tommy Reynolds points out a stretch of sidewalk long in need of repair.
WATER VALLEY — The City of Water Valley has been awarded $1,360,000 from the Mississippi Department of Transportation to fund major sidewalk improvements along key corridors in the city.
The award comes through the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program administered by MDOT. The City of Water Valley has committed $320,000 in local matching funds, bringing the total project value to approximately $1.68 million.
Yalobusha County Economic Development Director Kagan Coughlin reported that last year the city developed a comprehensive sidewalk plan covering main corridors from City Park to the Crawford Sports Complex and from Main Street East to Baker Street Park. The proposal includes upgrading existing sidewalks, constructing new sidewalks where none currently exist and adding safer crosswalks.
The city applied for two funding opportunities — one through the Federal Department of Transportation and one through MDOT. While the federal application was not selected, the city received the full amount requested through the state program.
Mayor Tommy Reynolds said he was pleased with the award and emphasized the long-term benefits of the project.
“I am very pleased that Water Valley has been awarded $1,360,000, which we applied for, from the Mississippi Department of Transportation through the Federal Transportation Alternatives Program to support an upcoming sidewalk project that will help improve the quality of life for all our citizens, make our City more walkable and benefit our residents and visitors alike,” Reynolds said.
Reynolds noted that the 20 percent local match demonstrates the city’s commitment to leveraging outside funding for long-term improvements.
“The City of Water Valley will provide a 20 percent local match, demonstrating the City’s commitment to investing in long-term improvements and leveraging federal funding to maximize impact,” he said.
Reynolds expressed appreciation to MDOT and Northern District Transportation Commissioner John Caldwell for the award, and thanked the Yalobusha County Economic Development District and Willis Engineering for assisting with preparation and submission of the application.
“This is a project that can benefit our City, not only for the present but also for future generations,” Reynolds said. “I am pleased that we are joining together to make progress in our city on many fronts.”
Final project timelines will be determined as the city moves into the next phase of design and implementation.
