Natchez, Mississippi is off to a remarkable start in 2024, with Mayor Dan Gibson announcing a multi-million dollar boon in grants, amounting to $2,037,000, already secured in January alone.
During the 2023 State of the City Address last July, Mayor Gibson shared the city’s success in securing nearly $40 million in state and federal grants and appropriations since 2020 for various projects in Natchez and Adams County. With the latest grants, the city has now surpassed this impressive milestone, setting its sights on reaching $50 million in funding by the end of the year.
The breakdown of the newly announced grants reflects a diverse investment in Natchez’s heritage, infrastructure, and community safety:
$1,000,000 from the Mississippi Department of Archives and History (MDAH) and the National Endowment for the Humanities for Jefferson College.
$655,000 Natural Resources Conservation Service for erosion control.
$150,000 from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to the Natchez Historic Foundation for the restoration of Beulah Baptist Church.
$142,000 for the Phase I Restoration of Angelety House, courtesy of a Community Heritage Preservation Grant from MDAH.
An additional $90,000, pending approval by Adams County, aimed at assisting the purchase of a new fire pumper truck for the Natchez Fire Department.
Mayor Gibson took the opportunity to express his gratitude to numerous individuals and organizations that have played pivotal roles in these accomplishments. Special thanks were extended to Katie Blount and the MDAH team, United States Congressman Bennie Thompson, the Historic Natchez Foundation, and state and federal representatives, among others, for their unwavering support and contributions to the city’s development.
As Mayor Gibson aptly stated, “Natchez-Adams County: we continue to accomplish great things working as one. Because Natchez Deserves More.”
Congratulations on grants. The taxpayers want, expect and demand that this City set up sinking funds NOW to handle future maintenance on infrastructure that receive grant funds. We need to break the cycle of historic City financial irresponsibility and mismanagement. Consider also downsizing City geographic limits to promote redevelopment of area by returning areas to County. Or, ask legislature for special legislation to allow a single board for this area to rid us of wasteful overlapping public functions.