Project Springs "Springs Forward"

By Sid Riley
County Commission Approves Grant Agreement For New Plant
At Tuesday’s County Commission Meeting the Board of Commissioners responded to a presentation by Evan McAllister of Melvin Engineering requesting approval of a grant agreement between Ice River Springs, Jackson County, and the State Department of Community Affairs. This $750,000 grant will primarily be used to provide the necessary changes in the water delivery infrastructure at the Marianna airport industrial park to properly service the needs of the new plant. The agreement also requires the company to maintain a minimum level of employment of thirty positions out of the seventy positions anticipated when the plant goes into operation.
The grant is under the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). This grant includes $89,000 for engineering services, $54,000 for administration, with the balance going for 12" water lines, well rehabilitation, sewer facilities and lift station, and street improvements. The board approved the agreement.
Additionally, the board approved initiation of advertising for bids for the Administration and Engineering services on the project to be funded by the designated portion of the grant funds.