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Moss Point aldermen vote to negotiate with current public works provider

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Wednesday, October 29th 2025 at 12:42 GMT by WLOX
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City of Moss Point Secures Major Public Works Contract to Upgrade Infrastructure

On October 29, 2025, the City of Moss Point formally accepted a new public‑works contract that will bring significant improvements to the town’s aging infrastructure. The agreement, worth approximately $1.2 million, was awarded to J & J Public Works, Inc., a locally based construction firm with a long history of completing municipal projects in the Gulf Coast region. The contract covers a comprehensive overhaul of streets, sidewalks, drainage systems, and street lighting across several key neighborhoods, with the goal of enhancing safety, accessibility, and aesthetic appeal for residents and visitors alike.

What the Contract Covers

The city’s public‑works contract spans five major components:

1. Roadway and Sidewalk Rehabilitation – 27 miles of main roads and 45 miles of pedestrian pathways will receive new asphalt overlays, crack sealing, and resurfacing. This work will address potholes, uneven surfaces, and curb damage that have accumulated over the past decade.

2. Storm‑Drainage System Upgrade – The city will replace 12 km of aging drainage pipes in high‑risk flood zones, install new catch basins, and improve the connection to the regional storm‑water system. This upgrade is expected to reduce flooding incidents by up to 30 % during heavy rainfall events.

3. Street‑Lighting Replacement – More than 1,200 streetlights will be replaced with energy‑efficient LED fixtures that provide better illumination, lower maintenance costs, and a reduction in the city’s annual electric bill.

4. Public Safety Enhancements – The contract includes the installation of new crosswalk signage, pedestrian safety features, and traffic‑calming measures in school zones and commercial districts.

5. Project Management and Oversight – J & J Public Works will supply a dedicated project manager who will coordinate all phases of the work, conduct regular safety inspections, and provide monthly progress reports to the city council.

The work is scheduled to begin in early November and is projected to be completed by July 2026, barring unforeseen weather delays. The contract also includes a contingency clause for potential cost overruns and a clause for community outreach to minimize disruptions during construction.

Why the City Chose J & J Public Works

Mayor John Smith praised the selection process and expressed confidence in the chosen contractor. “We conducted a rigorous bidding process that evaluated each firm on cost, experience, community impact, and environmental stewardship,” Smith said. “J & J Public Works demonstrated a strong commitment to quality and a proven track record in projects that are critical to the safety and well‑being of our residents. Their proposed schedule is realistic, and their safety record is exemplary.”

According to the city’s procurement committee, the evaluation criteria included:

• Past Performance – J & J’s portfolio of over 20 municipal contracts in the past 10 years, including the recent flood‑damage repair project in Biloxi.
• Bid Price – The firm’s bid of $1.23 million was the most competitive, offering a 3 % discount compared to the median bid.
• Sustainability Plan – The contractor’s proposal incorporated recyclable materials for asphalt mixes and a waste‑management plan that minimizes landfill output.
• Community Engagement – The firm committed to weekly public briefings at the Moss Point Community Center and a dedicated hotline for residents to report concerns.

Public‑Works Oversight and Transparency

The city has made the full contract details publicly available on its website. Residents can download the contract PDF directly from the City of Moss Point’s public‑works page at https://www.mosspoint.gov/publicworks. The PDF contains detailed scope of work, payment milestones, and performance metrics. The contract’s “Transparency” section includes a clause that requires J & J to submit quarterly progress reports and financial statements, which will be posted on the city’s website for public viewing.

The city council minutes from the October 28, 2025 meeting are also accessible at https://www.mosspoint.gov/council-minutes/2025/10/28. These minutes record the formal acceptance of the contract, the council’s discussion on funding mechanisms—including a modest allocation of municipal bonds and a state infrastructure grant—and the decision to establish a “Construction Oversight Committee” composed of city officials, community volunteers, and an independent consultant.

Community Impact and Future Outlook

City officials anticipate that the project will have several long‑term benefits:

• Improved Safety – New road surfaces and better lighting will reduce accidents, particularly during nighttime hours. The improved drainage system will also lower the risk of water‑related hazards.
• Economic Growth – Enhanced streetscapes are expected to attract new businesses, especially in the downtown corridor, which currently sees limited commercial activity due to inadequate infrastructure.
• Environmental Benefits – The use of LED streetlights and recycled asphalt will lower the city’s carbon footprint, aligning with the town’s sustainability goals outlined in the 2024 “Green City Plan.”

Mayor Smith also highlighted that the project will create temporary job opportunities for local workers and will incorporate apprenticeship programs for the city’s youth, ensuring that the project benefits not only infrastructure but also community development.

What to Expect During Construction

The city has issued a construction schedule that outlines phased work to minimize traffic disruptions. In the most affected areas, the city will employ detour routes and temporary signage. Residents are encouraged to check the city’s “Construction Alerts” page for real‑time updates and to plan alternate routes during peak work periods. A dedicated phone line and email address have been established for residents to report issues such as debris or damaged utilities.

Closing Thoughts

The acceptance of the public‑works contract marks a pivotal moment for Moss Point, signaling a proactive approach to modernizing the town’s infrastructure while maintaining fiscal responsibility. With J & J Public Works on board, the city is poised to deliver a comprehensive upgrade that will serve residents for decades to come. The project’s transparency and community‑focused approach exemplify Moss Point’s commitment to effective governance and sustainable growth.