Jackson approves first step of water-upgrade project

The first step of the water-system improvement plan voters approved in August in a bond issue was approved Monday night by the Jackson Board of Aldermen.

The board accepted the $1,481,652 bid of Robertson Incorporated Bridge and Grading Division of Poplar Bluff, Missouri, to begin the multi-year project.

The project, which will entail extensive repairs and upgrades to inadequate or failing water mains throughout Jackson, is expected to cost $11.5 million overall.

"We finally are getting to building what the people of Jackson voted on way back when," public works director Rodney Bollinger said.

The board also approved a $67,380 for new linings in the city's sanitary sewer system.

Jackson staff engineer Erica Bogenpohl said the program, which is implemented annually, will entail renewing an epoxy mixture that lines and seals the interior of sanitary sewer lines.

During study session, the board also began the official discussion of an ordinance that would create a Jackson historic preservation designation to qualifying properties and/or monuments.

Jackson building and planning superintendent Janet Sanders said several property owners who would be affected by the proposed ordinance have contacted her to express their support for the idea.

The board indicated it would like to set up an informal informational meeting to gauge public sentiment before proceeding with the proposition that would affect much of Jackson's uptown.

tgraef@semissourian.com

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