City manager outlines timeline for canal dredging, paving, boardwalk, nature trail and dog park

City Manager John updated the Diamondhead City Council on a slate of public-works projects, saying the city has issued a notice to proceed for canal dredging and that the project’s 240-day contract sets a current completion target of Oct. 24.

“I think it’s about 8,600 linear feet from point to point. So if you go up and back, that’ll be a little over 3 miles,” John said of the proposed Montjoy Creek Nature Trail, citing a preliminary engineer design and noting bids for that trail are due Tuesday for staff and engineer review.

John also said the notice to proceed for the 2026 paving project was issued and crews will begin on Cherry Hill with milling and base repair. He told the council that the contractor will likely spend three to four weeks on rock and base work before paving, an inconvenience for residents but intended to produce a stable base for new pavement. On the Jordan River Boardwalk, John said the city issued a notice of award and is awaiting contractor bonds and documentation so MDEQ can issue approval and a notice to proceed.

On smaller items, John reported the dog park’s outer fencing is nearly complete and public-works crews are preparing turf; staff hope to have grass installed around the first of March and to open the facility soon. He said the Montjoy Creek trail’s funding paperwork is under review and a separate nature-trail grant is currently out for public comment.

Council members asked for schedule details and operational clarifications; staff said they will share road-by-road paving timelines when available and will proceed with surveying and staking for trail work. The city manager also agreed to explore options for moving council materials toward a paperless format.

Next steps: staff will return with contractor schedules and any required bid approvals at an upcoming council meeting.