GREENVILLE, Miss.–A shortage of asphalt is holding up some paving projects in Washington County. That shortage was discussed at this week’s Board of Supervisors meeting when one supe complained that she believed projects in her district were being purposely neglected.
My concern is how did they skip over District 4 and go to District 3. I need some clarity to that, because it was told to me over and over again once they left District 1 they would come to District 4,” saud District 4 Supervisor Mala Brooks.
Board Pres. Carl McGee explained that many times when road projects are assigned, they choose the order based on the ease of setting up and staging and practical concerns that go with it.
“It’s just the most efficient route. Nobody has forgotten you. Nobody has forgotten any roads,” said McGeee.
That’s when he began talking about the asphalt shortage.
“The major issue that we are having right now is the availability of asphalt,” said McGee. “The asphalt company here, they basically cut us off in providing asphalt strictly for the bypass.”
McGee was speaking about the Hwy. 82 bypass project that was announced earlier this year and is now in the works, which requires copious amounts of asphalt. He said the board has looked into solutions.
“We attempted to use the company out of Yazoo City. That just does not work.”
McGee said the trip is too long and the asphalt cools before it reaches Washington County.
He asked Brooks to put together a list of road projects that she considers a priority, so the road department can be instructed on which ones to work on, once they figure out a way to get asphalt.
