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Work is under way to repair the closed bridge on Lowndes County Road 7 and Lowndes County Commissioners also learned of a planned drill to prepare police, fire and volunteers for a potential disaster in Lowndes County.

County Engineer/Emergency Management Director David Butts addressed the Lowndes County Commission Monday night and spoke about a variety of topics.

“I want to bring you up to speed on everything we’ve got going on,” Butts told the Lowndes County Commission. “The cutters are in District 4 and we’re finishing up on the third cut. Once we get to District 1, it will be gin the final cut for the season. The boom cutter is in the shop. We’re trying to get it out shortly.”

Butts then addressed the various road
projects.

“The bridge contract has started on County Road 7,” he said. “We’ve had on pour, the cap of the abutment. We’re waiting on the cylinder to be broken and then they can take the forms off and put the panels on. County Road 37 project from Fort Deposit to AL-97 had a preconference this morning (Monday) and the contractor is ready to get started.”

Butts said plans are being completed for paving on County Road 37 from AL-97 to
U.S. 80.

“Plans should be submitted by the end of the week,” he said. “We’re moving forward. The culvert on County Road 17 will begin when the contractor leaves County Road 7 and start that work.”

Butts said Emergency Management Officials met Thursday to discuss a “hands-on” exercise.

“It will be sometime in November when things cool off,” Butts said. “We will have another meeting toward the end of October to draw out the plans. We’re looking at the simulation of a tornado event that hits a school or a town. As we get closer we will keep you posted. This drill would include police/sheriff officers, volunteer fire departments, ambulance and other county officials and departments. It’s always good to be prepared.”

The Commission also approved a number of consent items including a contract with Harris Computer for the tax assessor/collector and appraisal office, and several appropriations including money for the STEP Program, Fort Deposit Public Library, Calhoun Adult Daycare and Roya1 Ambassadors Ministry of Education.

The Commission also approved spending $1,500 for work done by Jasia Company to help obtain a $30,000 USDA grant to assist with the Census in 2020. It was approved 5-0.