Commissioners approve fiber permits, 2026 sealcoat plan and subdivision final plat

The Harrison County Commissioners Court on March 26 approved several road and development items, including multiple utility applications for fiber-optic installation, a preliminary 2026 sealcoat projects plan and a final plat for Southern Pines Phase 2.

Road Bridge Department Administrator Mr. Davis told the court the department is concentrating on routine maintenance—"a lot more overlays, a lot of patching"—has several drainage projects and expected to start another milling operation next week. He reported that the county received stockpiled materials from right-of-way clearing and planned to distribute materials across work areas to support hauling projects.

The court approved about 10 utility applications for fiber on roads including Gatlin Road, Law Road, Nash Road, Pine Tree Road, Riverwood Drive, Hershel McCory Road, Liberty Road West, Patron Patton Settlement Road, Pops Landing Road and Younger Road. Commissioners asked whether the work represented expansion into areas previously skipped by other carriers or new hookups; staff said some are new customers and some are extensions of existing lines.

The court also approved a larger-than-normal 2026 sealcoat (seal) projects plan, with staff attributing the increase to higher contract construction funding. Finally, the court approved the final plat for Southern Pines Phase 2, a private subdivision of 12.33 acres and 10 lots in Precinct 4; commissioners asked staff to check water availability and grant possibilities for water line extensions before lots are developed.

All motions on these items passed by unanimous vote.