Officials with the City of Vicksburg said they are taking “decisive action” in order to fulfill longstanding obligations to the Summit Ridge Development area that was annexed into the city in 1987.

Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said residents of the neighborhood have been reaching out to city hall with requests for improvements, which prompted the city to look into areas of concern in the neighborhood located along Highway 61 South, where the overall infrastructure is aging. 

City officials said those obligations include “critical infrastructure improvements” that were approved during Monday’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting, adding these improvements will ensure Summit Ridge has services comparable to the rest of the city.

“The residents of Summit Ridge have been a part of Vicksburg for decades, and it is time we fulfill our commitment to provide them with the services and the infrastructure they deserve,” Mayor George Flaggs Jr. said Monday. “Today’s resolution is not just about meeting obligations. It’s about equity and ensuring that all areas of our city receive the same level of service and care.”

Officials said the city recently completed the installation of water lines and fire hydrants in the area to enhance fire protection and water access. Monday’s resolution outlined additional improvements, including: grading, draining and otherwise improving existing streets;  installing sewer lines to provide essential sanitation services; and installing new street lighting to enhance safety and visibility in the area.

Flaggs said the city will also establish a dedicated right-of-way and work with engineering services to design a 20-foot roadway with two, 10-foot lanes. 

“We won’t know about the actual cost until the engineers get in there,” Flaggs said. “We’ve got to see what all needs to be done.”

Flaggs said, depending on the nature of the improvements, funds will come from a combination of the general fund and the public works fund. 

For more information on the project, Flaggs may be reached  by phone at 601-942-0492.