Groundbreaking for Improvements in Jones County Held Today

A groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of landscape and drainage improvements along I-59 near South Central Regional Medical Center was held in Laurel today. Approximately 100 people attended the event.

The project, eligible for 80% funding under the Transportation Enhancement Program since it’s a landscape project along a federal aid route right-of-way, will consist of the construction of a landscape berm along MDOT right-of-way that will improve drainage in the area and provide a screen between South Central’s parking lot and I-59. Additional screening in the form of a decorative fence will be added which will include a row of live oak trees. The grant which was awarded to the Jones County Board of Supervisors will provide funding in the amount of $322,262.00. for the project.

The project will increase the aesthetics of not only the hospital, but also the image of Laurel and Jones County from travelers along the interstate. The traveling public will be able to see a quality improvement to the property adjacent to the South Central which was left over from the re-routing of the S-Curve on I-59. The project was awarded to Larry J. Sumrall Contractors of Laurel, Miss.

“This project will not only enhance landscaping, but will improve the image of Laurel and Jones County from travelers along the interstate,” said Transportation Commissioner Tom King. “These improvements are very important to many people and it’s an honor to be a part of this project.”

Doug Higginbotham, President and CEO at South Central, and Frank Therrell, Chairman of the South Central Board of Trustees, both thanked members of the Jones County Board of Supervisors, Neal Schaffer and Tom King for investing in the community. Johnny Burnett, Vice President of the Jones County Board of Supervisors, also thanked Tom King and MDOT for the support provided to the Jones County area and told those attending that he was proud of the hospital and the service it provided to the community.

Others speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony were Drew Blanton, Chaplain at South Central; Mandy Hegwood, Engineer Manager for Neel Schaffer; Sean Sumrall, President of Larry J. Sumrall Contractors;  and Stacey Pickering, State Auditor of Mississippi. Construction will begin later this year.