Mayor: Black Wall Dairy Road work begins; $893,000 secured for flood mitigation

Mayor Josh Gates told the council that work to repair the closure on Black Wall Dairy Road has begun, with materials delivered and crews starting construction the same day. He said the project remains weather-dependent and estimated it could take about three to four weeks to complete.

"Construction will actually start today as well ... it could probably still be three or four weeks before it's finished depending on weather," Mayor Gates said.

Gates also announced that the city had been notified by U.S. Sen. Katie Britt’s office that $893,000 has been secured for Jasper to help with flood-water mitigation efforts. "We received notification ... that she has ... secured $893,000 ... to be awarded to the city of Jasper to help us with flood water mitigation efforts to address long-standing drainage and flooding issues across our community," Gates said.

The mayor characterized the award as a major assist for the city’s ongoing drainage work. He thanked the senator’s office and said the funds will “go a long way” toward addressing ongoing flooding issues. Gates urged patience from residents as the roadwork proceeds and noted progress depends on weather and delivery of remaining materials.

The council did not take a formal vote on the funding announcement during the meeting; the mayor framed it as a notification from the senator’s office. Staff follow-up will be needed to confirm award terms and timing and to integrate the funds into the city’s project schedule.

Next steps listed in the meeting: construction work on Black Wall Dairy Road to continue subject to weather; staff to follow up on grant/award documentation from Sen. Britt’s office so the city can plan mitigation work.