The city of Jackson, set to get about $13.2 million in federal stimulus funding, plans to use the money for projects such as building a JATRAN headquarters, paying for homeless-prevention services and improving water and sewer lines.
But many city leaders say not enough money is going toward road improvements, one of the city’s most pressing needs.
“The $13.2 million is the running total,” said Marcus Ward, chief of staff for Mayor Frank Melton. The money is part of the $787 billion stimulus bill signed into law by President Obama last month.
The city, for example, was allotted $1.1 million for its homeless-prevention fund, which gives money to programs that provide rental assistance, utility deposits and related services. Jackson’s budget for the fund had been about $111,000 a year.
Magnolia Tribune
