[02/27/01] With state money in hand, bids will be sought by Warren County to start the second phase of the LeTourneau boat ramp project.

The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries has provided $163,000 to finish construction of the ramp into the Mississippi River.

“We’ve spent over $100,000 of the grant and need to spend the rest before June 30, or the money may lapse,” county engineer John McKee told supervisors.

Phase one of the project began in November 2000, and included the building of a concrete ramp over an already existing asphalt ramp.

Phase two of the project includes paved parking areas and lighting.

A total of $345,665 was granted to the county by the Department of Wildlife and Fisheries for the boat ramp project.

Other than City Front, where boaters may launch and retrieve from the Yazoo Diversion Canal, the LeTourneau site is one of few with river access.

In other business, supervisors:

Approved an increase in engineering services for the redesign of on-site water and sewer lines for the River Region hospital complex. Municipal sewer lines are being extended to the hospital site off U.S. 61 North and water will be provided by Culkin Water District.

Awarded the contract for off-site sewer improvements for the River Region to Lampton Construction Company. The proposed cost is $731,328.50

Approved temporary dumping easements to be located on Ring Road, Gibson Road Circle, Deerfield Drive, Browley Road, Eagle Lake Shore Road and Bell Island Drive.

Discussed county duties in the statewide flag election set for April 17. The state is providing ballots and will assume all costs except for staffing the polling places. As of yet, no sample ballots have been received by the county. On that day, voters will chose between keeping the traditional design or changing to a new one.