Patrick Ervin
patrickervin@ddtonline.com
On Monday September 17, at the recommendation of ARPA Consultant Andrew Smith, the Washington County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to apply for a grant through the Mississippi Department of Archives and History’s Historical Site Preservation Fund.
After viewing the PBS documentary called, “The Harvest” about the integration of Leland schools, Smith suggested that should the grant be awarded, funds should be used to upgrade and commemorate the significance of the area just southwest of Leland known as Strike City. District Four Supervisor Mala Brooks represents the area. After Smith explained that Strike City was the site of a 1967 black farm worker’s resistance, Brooks added, “it all started with a Mr. Green who decided to send his daughter Bertha Green to school instead of out to the field. Delta Ministries which later became MACE worked with individuals in this community to provide resources, education and support.”
The possible project in Smith’s estimation would be a phased process whereby phased one would involve land acquisition, covenants and parking lot improvements. Smith also suggested that at some juncture a monument be erected to “give Washington County a site that preserves African American history and provides economic development through historic preservation and tourism.”
The grant application is due September 29 and would require matching funds from the county.
Key County Matters
- The BOS allocated $34,500 in ARPA funds for the emergency replacement of four water hydrants in Hollandale. The municipality has recently issued several boil water notices to its citizens.
- By a 3-2 vote, the BOS allocated $100,000 to the Elks Club in ARPA funds to the Elks Club after qualifying paperwork was provided.
- The BOS tabled a discussion of a request from Pafford Ambulance Service for $200,000 in operational support. Pafford officials made the request at a previous meeting.
- The BOS voted unanimously to provided notification to solid waste hauling companies of its intent to enforce the state’s littering law (MS 17-17-11) which has a maximum penalty of $25,000 and one year in prison. The notice is to encourage haulers to cover loads to prevent debris from spilling onto county roads while in transit.
- County Administration reported that the Washington County has expended 108.9% of its current budget with roughly one week left in the fiscal year.
