Starkville Secures $20M for Highway 182 Revitalization

The city of Starkville has received a significant financial boost with a $20 million grant to support the revitalization of Highway 182. This grant marks the beginning of plans to rejuvenate the stretch of road from Old West Point Road to Jackson Street.

Ambitious Plans for Economic Development

Mayor Lynn Spruill is confident that this funding will allow the city to complete the project as planned, without any reduction in scope. The project includes reconstructing the eastern end of the Highway 182 corridor, implementing streetscape improvements from Henderson to Long Street on the western end, and installing pedestrian lighting and street trees along the project area. These plans aim to enhance the area aesthetically and drive economic growth in the district.

Mayor Spruill expressed optimism, stating, “I think it will bring economic development opportunities to that corridor that have not had them in quite some time, and we will see redevelopment and growth happen along that entire way.”

Rising Costs of the Project

Originally estimated at around $15 million, the project costs have increased due to various factors like the COVID-19 pandemic, inflation, and economic conditions. To manage costs, the city acquired a mile-long stretch of the highway, enabling infrastructure placement beneath the roadway and reducing bid estimates.

Securing Sufficient Funding

Despite cost escalations, the recent $20 million grant, along with previously raised funds, ensures strong financial backing for the project. With the addition of the $20 million Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant, the city’s secured funds total around $45 million. This includes a $12.6 million Better Utilizing Investments to Development (BUILD) grant and $10.2 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and state match for water, sewage, and drainage improvements.

Time Pressure for Construction

The city must utilize the BUILD funding before its expiry, with project completion expected by June 2025 and full completion by the end of 2026. While Mayor Spruill aims to meet this timeline, she acknowledges the potential need for an extension, considering similar situations faced by other projects. She mentioned, “I am hopeful that we will be able to make that 2025 timeline… But if not, I think there’s a whole lot of us in the same position that we might very well have some opportunity for potential extension.”

Expectations for the Future

There is optimism that the road’s revitalization will motivate property owners in the area to invest in their properties, leading to additional economic development opportunities. Ward 5 Alderman Hamp Beatty praised the efforts of the mayor and legislators in securing funding, saying, “To be able to complete the project as designed and as modified will be a really, really nice thing for Starkville.”

Bids for the work will be opened on Wednesday at Starkville City Hall, with a recommendation from city engineers expected at the next Alderman’s meeting.