Tupelo Public Works Department details projects, seeks additional funding
TUPELO — City officials in Tupelo are considering extensive upgrades to multiple areas, including the complete reconstruction of some infrastructure in West Bristow Acres.
During a Monday afternoon work session, Public Works Director Chuck Williams detailed three projects from his department in need of additional funding: a $300,000 project to line five aging pipes in various areas in town, a $200,000 replacement of a failing double pipe around Pemberton and Hampton Avenues and a $1.5 million project to restore West Bristow’s roads.
“We’ve been trying to get this done for a couple of years. We want to do this whole neighborhood,” William said. “The road is just mush. There is no base under us.”
As of Monday, the department has $750,000 for the project and hopes the council will give the nod to move forward with expectation of about $750,000 more to bridge the gap in funding.
The roads associated with the neighborhood are West Bristow Drive, Patterson Drive, Leighton Drive, Susanne Circle and Homewood Drive. Williams noted the project includes installing a three-way stop at the intersection of Bristow and Homewood.
Alongside the mill and overlay, road base reconstruction and paving, Williams noted there would be drainage and curb work. While the road is already being dismantled, Tupelo Water & Light would make water line upgrades and repairs, Tupelo Water & Light Director Johnny Timmons said.
Ward 3 Councilman Lynn Bryan said after the meeting that the neighborhood has needed these repairs for quite some time, noting the roads are in very poor conditions overall.
“It’s in bad shape,” he said. “We are just in a position now that we can do it. We’ve been getting some pretty competitive pricing as of late, so hopefully it will come in less.”
Funding for the project’s additional $750,000 will have to come through a budget amendment. Chief Financial Officer Kim Hanna noted there were $400,000 left in the city’s unallocated general obligation bond money, with they issued as over $12 million earlier this year. He said the city had wiggle room to secure another $8 million in bond money if needed.
“We are in a situation where we can issue bonds sooner rather than later,” Hanna said. “We have another 24 months to issue the rest of that $20 million dollar intent. That is another $8 million. … It is just a decision for the council.”
Pipe repairs needed in multiple locations
While the city gears up for an even more America Rescue Plan Act-funded projects, Williams said there were two more drainage projects not attached to the federal and state funds: $300,000 to reinforce five pipes with a liner and $200,00 to replace the pipes at Pemberton and Hampton.
Hanna said the department has $250,000 in its drainage repair funds, so if the projects are to move forward, they will require a budget amendment when they come before the council for approval. Williams noted the capital fund budget is intended for projects like this.
Drainage pipes on Barnes Crossing Road at Dixie Creek, 2303 Parkway Drive, 3386 Kimbrough Avenue, Forrest Hill Drive and the entrance to the Big Oaks neighborhood will all get the liner, which is a plastic that runs through the older pipe and cures into hardened plastic. Williams said it’s impractical to replace the pipes at these locations because they are located under structures.
The pipe replacements at Pemberton and Hampton cannot be lined because the metal has rotted, so those pipes must be completely replaced. Williams noted the cost is in labor and repairs to the properties the lines go through as the material is already in stock.
Hanna said the project can be paid through ARPA funds or through bond money. All projects eligible for ARPA funding have to be connected to stormwater, sewer or drainage issues.
