Lauderdale County Moves Forward with Projects, Grant Applications

Lauderdale County Moves Forward with Projects, Grant Applications

MERIDIAN, Miss. — Lauderdale County supervisors advanced several projects Monday as county departments prepare to pursue multiple grant funding opportunities.

Among the key initiatives discussed were funding applications for the Sheriff’s Department, preparations for the county’s annual Amnesty Day, and plans to construct a new fire station in the Center Ridge community.

Ward Calhoun said the Sheriff’s Department intends to apply for an antiterrorism grant through the Mississippi Department of Homeland Security totaling $462,806.21. The department could receive full, partial, or no funding depending on the outcome of the application process.

Notably, the grant would not require matching funds from the county.

Supervisor Craig Houston also announced that the county has secured more than $450,000 through a Community Development Block Grant Program to build a new fire station for the Center Ridge Volunteer Fire Department.

Located in the northeastern portion of the county, the existing Center Ridge station was originally constructed in 1989 but was never fully completed.

“We’re going to be able to build a new fire station in that community,” Houston said.

The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors also discussed plans for the upcoming Amnesty Day, scheduled for Saturday, April 18, at the county Road Department’s central office at Lauderdale County Road Department Central Office.

Amnesty Day provides residents with an opportunity to safely dispose of items not accepted during regular household waste collection. Accepted materials will include motor oil, batteries, fluorescent bulbs, paints, solvents, and car tires.

Supervisors approved service quotes from Rhino LLC and Complete Environmental to handle disposal of collected materials.

Additionally, the board approved applications for:

A $60,000 grant aimed at combating illegal dumping

A $180,000 grant to establish a waste tire collection program

These efforts reflect the county’s broader push to improve public safety, infrastructure, and environmental management through strategic funding opportunities.