The mayor of Jackson, Mississippi did something unusual on March, 26, 2015.  The winter weather and recent heavy rains have not been kind to the city’s sewer system and drinking water system.  As of April 21st, the city has recorded a whopping 75 water main breaks in 2015.  These problems don’t happen overnight and the consensus in Jackson is that the city’s aged infrastructure system has steadily deteriorated over the years.

For obvious reasons, drinking water lines are installed closer to the surface and above sewer lines.  Because sewer lines are likely to be less tight over time, water line breaks can overwhelm sewer lines and cause basement backups or flood ditches and creeks.  (Street flooding in the southern part of the city essentially traps about 200 people.)

By declaring a state of emergency, the mayor was hoping that the city’s repair schedule can move forward at a faster pace because the city can bypass the bidding process for projects.  Naturally, the Jackson mayor received criticism for using the emergency declaration as a response to events without damage from a tornado, hurricane, or flood.  City Council members also were wary of the precedent that this action would set as other cities would have simply filed state of emergencies to receive monetary help instead of applying normally for a low interest loan, such as the loans available through the Mississippi State Department of Health.  In January 2014, Jackson voters approved a 1% sales tax increase that will generate $12 million per year to fund infrastructure work.  According to the Clarion-Ledger, the city estimates that infrastructure work will cost $743 million through 2031.  Of the $743 millions, drainage way improvements are expected to account for $332 million.

The City council rejected the request to proclaim a civil emergency on the evening of April 21, 2015.  The majority opinion questioned the basis of authority for the proclamation and there was concern regarding potential fiscal and legal ramifications once projects began moving forward.  Furthermore, the mayor acknowledged that emergency work would continue regardless of council approval

I am not confident that this will be a trend in the future because I don’t think declaration of “State of Emergency” is a political advantage; however, it would not surprise me to see more of this kind of public announcement relating to aging infrastructure especially if it helps to pave the way for increased public awareness of the importance of using utility revenues to invest in infrastructure upgrades.

Click on the following links if you are interested in reading more:  http://www.clarionledger.com/story/news/local/2015/03/26/jackson-state-of-emergency-for-infrastructure/70496284/

And http://www.jacksonfreepress.com/news/2015/apr/22/yarbers-emergency-decree-rejected-it-doesnt-mean-t/