Riverside Construction of Vicksburg has received the contract for a drainage project in the Kings community.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen Wednesday awarded the bid to Riverside, which was the lowest of five companies bidding on the project with $243,711.50.

Other companies submitting bids included Anderson Contracting LLC of Yazoo City, $244,265.02; Theobald Construction of Vicksburg, $347,979.60; Central Asphalt, $282,061.33; Fordice Construction of Vicksburg, $293,676.10; and A.E. Boyer LLC of Hattiesburg, $342,401.93.

The drainage project is designed to clean and clear drainage ditches, canals and underground culverts to improve drainage and eliminate backwater flooding in the Kings area and along North Washington during periods of heavy rain.

City officials are trying to get a Natural Resources Conservation Service grant to help cover the cost of the project.

“It’s a long time coming,” North Ward Alderman Michael Mayfield said. He said he plans to meet next week with NRCS officials about the federal funding.

In another matter, the board awarded a $414,000 bid to Flagstar Construction Co. of Brandon for work on the Vicksburg Interpretive Center/Catfish row Museum, which will be housed in the old Monte Carlo Club building at 913 Washington St.

Building owner Linda Fondren said the initial work includes renovating the building’s exterior, and interior work to prepare the building for the sneak preview, such as heating and air conditioning and restrooms.

She said the museum will hold a “sneak peak” of some of the exhibits planned for the museum in 2018.