Work in and around the Scott County Courthouse continues this week as the orignal deadline for completion, November 6, approaches.
County Administrator Joshua Sutton said last week that a representative of the contractor, J.E. Stevens, said that he anticipates the south sidewalk area — the front of the Courthouse — will be poured by the end of this week, weather permitting, however weather so far does not appear to be very cooperative.
“Unfortunately, as with many construction projects, a few issues were discovered, primarily related to underground utilities, which have caused some delays,” Sutton said. “Once the south side is completed, the only remaining sidewalk work should be the section on the northwest side of the building, which again due to utility issues, has experienced delays.”
Also causing traffic flow issues is the renovation projects on private buildings on the east side of East Main Street but those projects when complete will be a great asset to the downtown area.
“We apologize for the ongoing inconvenience, and sincerely appreciate the patience shown by the community as we try to improve accessibility to Scott County’s courthouse,” Sutton concluded.
In 2024, the county was awarded a $715,490 Community Development Block Grant through Mississippi Development Authority for the improvements.
The project will include ADA improvements to sidewalks, parking, and other exterior access improvements along with elevator modernization, as well as limited interior improvements to enhance the accessibility of the courthouse for those with disabilities.
The Scott County Board of Supervisors advertised for bids in March for the “furnishing of all labor and materials, and for performing all activities for the construction of the Scott County Courthouse ADA Improvements.”
Work began in June on the ADA accessibility improvements at the courthouse with the contract time being 150 consecutive calendar days with liquidated damages of $540 per consecutive calendar day thereafter.
