Supervisors seek public views on additional $1 million request for Riley Center

By By Steve Gillespie / staff writer
Dec. 12, 2003
Lauderdale County supervisors may have a large turnout for their meeting Monday, which will include a public hearing on additional funding for the Riley Education and Performing Arts Center.
The hearing is scheduled as supervisors consider a request from Mississippi State University for $1 million in addition to $3 million the board already approved through an urban renewal bond issue for the project, which involves renovation of three downtown buildings.
Supervisors discussed the project briefly Thursday during a work session.
District 5 Supervisor Ray Boswell, who is against increasing the loan, said several people told him they will attend the hearing to oppose the increase. District 3 Supervisor Craig Hitt, who supports the increase in funding, said he has heard from several people who say they will come to the hearing in support of the project.
Hitt, the board president, and District 4 Supervisor Joe Norwood said the increased funding of the Riley Center project would be a good investment for Lauderdale County's future.
According to a study from Mississippi State University, the project will have an economic impact of about $5 million a year.
Boswell said roads and industrial development should be the top priorities for the board.
He said he also wants to level off some of the property at the industrial park in preparation for industrial sites.
Boswell added that the board will probably seek a bond issue for roads after the first of the year.
Want to go?
The Lauderdale County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing at 5:30 p.m. at the Raymond P. Davis Courthouse Annex, 410 21st Ave. For more information, call 482-9746.