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Byram board authorizes SRF loan application for Big Creek sewer, advances park and road projects
Summary
The Board authorized staff to submit an SRF loan application for Phase 1 of the Big Creek sewer extension, received a detailed update on the new sports complex and park designs with plans to advertise bids in the spring, and approved advertising for Terry Road overlay and the Davis Road Bridge project.
The Byram Board of Aldermen authorized public‑works staff to submit a loan application to the state SRF program as a backup to grant funding for Phase 1 of the Big Creek sewer extension and voted to move forward with key road and bridge advertisements and park procurement steps.
Public works director Ron told the board the SRF application would be for 2027 funding and described the approach as a backup to a requested DRA grant — citing a $4.8 million phase‑1 request and noting DRA’s $2 million maximum grant level. “This would be for ’27 funding,” Ron said, explaining that the SRF loan process places communities on a priority list and that the city can use the loan as contingency funding if grant support does not cover full costs.
The board also received an update on the new sports complex and park, where staff said architectural drawings are nearly complete and that staff are assembling alternates (fewer fields, shade structures, splash pad) and obtaining preliminary pricing so the project can be bid with options. Staff said they expect a refined engineer’s estimate by April 1 and anticipated advertising in April with a mid‑May bid opening as an early estimate.
On road projects, staff reported MDOT approval of the Davis Road Ridge repair and Terry Road improvements and asked for permission to advertise for bids once MDOT confirms advertisement dates. The board approved motions to advertise for the Terry Road overlay and the Davis Road Bridge project and recorded votes during roll calls. Separately, staff described a repair option for about 35 severely affected spots on a busy stretch of Terry Road; engineers and contractors provided ballpark estimates and traffic‑control scheduling during the discussion.
What’s next: staff will submit the SRF loan application and continue to pursue DRA grant funding as a primary source; the city will finalize contract and bid documents to advertise the Davis Road and Terry Road projects when MDOT confirms ad dates; staff will continue to refine cost estimates and return to the board with bid packages and timeline details.
