Ocean Springs News
City of Ocean Springs Implements Drainage Plan
Ocean Springs, MS – City-wide drainage projects have started throughout the City of Ocean Springs, thanks to grant funding from the Pat Harrison Water Way District and the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. The Board of Aldermen allocated $950,000 towards drainage projects with the intent to seek matching grants.
The city’s Drainage and Infrastructure Committee presented the Board of Aldermen with recommendations and findings at this week’s Mayor and Board of Aldermen meeting.
The city received matching grants totaling $75,000 from the Pat Harrison Water Way District to implement the following drainage projects: Halstead area between Englewood and English in Ward 4 and in Ward 3, Hickory Circle and Simon boulevard for drainage and rerouting storm water from Holcomb to Ogden and Simon.
“I’m excited about the fact it is going to start; we’ve waited a long time to implement these drainage projects,” said Alderman Greg Denyer, Ward 4. “Until now, we had erosion occurring behind the houses at Whispering Pines and other streets. We can control that and stop some of the water from getting in the streets. It is a great project.”
“On Hickory Circle off Bechtel Boulevard, those areas are inundated with flooding every time it rains. People could not get into their homes,” said Alderman Chic Cody, Ward 3. “We have waited a long time to implement these projects. We are very fortunate to have the grants to pay for this. I want to thank the Mayor and the Drainage Committee for prioritizing these projects, and the Board agreed. Finally, relief is on the way.”
The city also received notice for funding from the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service for drainage areas where soil erosion is threatening infrastructure. The Johnson Street and Hunter Drive areas are targeted for improvement.
The city’s Public Works department has completed a video of major drainage pipes that identifies sections for cleaning and grinding out tree roots. Some of these areas will be prepared for slip lining, the most cost-effective means for improving drainage: Londonderry/Wellington, Parktown Drive/Grand Teton, 118 Booth Circle, 2516 Parkwood Place to 2517 Ridgewood, 507 Shadowlawn Lane, 217 Mitchell, 18 Oaklawn, 1305 Vancleave/503 Russell, 110 Porter Avenue, and 703 Porter.
Earlier this month, the Public Works Department completed the piping of 800 foot of ditch at Bayou Drive.
“The project decreased the ponding that took place in an open ditch,” said Andre’ Kaufman, Director of Public Works. “We also put in some new driveways. The work was completed far below the estimated costs.”
The city’s Drainage and Infrastructure Committee is currently planning for additional drainage improvements to areas throughout the city.
