Grants Make Community Improvement Projects Possible for the City of Diamondhead
Nearly $2.3 million in projects underway.
The City of Diamondhead recently reviewed several grants that are underway to support various projects throughout the city totaling more than $2,270,358 in improvements. These projects will further the vision for Diamondhead with economic development, drainage and recreation projects as top priorities. [dhead grant pic 1]
The new City Hall Exercise Fitness Trail is estimated for completion by the end of April. The total project cost is $120,000 with $96,000 in grant funds from the Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks with a local match of only $24,000 from the city. The project features a half-mile walking trail in a central location for residents. A portion of the city’s match will be used to purchase equipment, such as trash receptacles and benches. [dhead grant pic 2]
The city’s roundabout, located at Diamondhead Drive East and Golf Club Drive, is now in the design phase. This project will ease traffic flow at one of the city’s busiest intersections and will be under construction in 2017. This is made possible through a $200,000 grant from the Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Alternative Program through Gulf Regional Planning Commission. The city will provide a $50,000 match in local funding.
The City will accept bids on April 27th for the proposed Bayou Drive and Vaught Circle kayak launches with construction expected to begin mid-May with a completion date expected in August. The Rotten Bayou Kayak / Biking Trail is nearly 9.5 miles and meanders along the western coast of Diamondhead to encourage exploration of the city’s waterways and shores. This is made possible through a Tidelands grant of $369,750 with no local match required. In addition, the city received $68,275 for a boater access grant through the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources. The Vaught Circle launch is being constructed now and will increase access to waterways, trails and boardwalks. [dhead grant pic 3]
Work began in late March and is continuing on Live Oak Drive. The project will concentrate on road drainage in coordination with Diamondhead Water and Sewer District, who is making repairs while the road is under construction. Spring mowing is underway and striping has been applied to Maini Way, Moanalua Way, Diamondhead Drive East, Kailua Place and Anahola Place. In the coming week, crews will be replacing a culvert across Hilo Street and close to 200 new street signs will be erected to replace the older smaller signs.
The City is also expecting a Tidelands Grant in the amount of $102,333 from the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources that will assist with improvements on Montjoy Creek at Devil’s Elbow.
An interstate high mast lighting project will be funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation in the amount of $400,000 with a $100,000 match. This will improve the interchange and will include acceleration lanes, deceleration lanes and ramp terminals. The project should be complete by this fall. [dhead grant pic 4]
A golf club sidewalks grant will soon be designed that is funded through a $400,000 grant with a $100,000 match to provide improvements along the east side of Golf Club Drive from the north entrance of the Diamondhead Country Club around the water tower to Kapalama Drive.
A new brochure that features all of the projects can be found on the city’s Facebook page and is available at City Hall. There is also information on the city’s website at www.diamondhead.ms.gov.
Recycling is Under Consideration for the City of Diamondhead
Recycling could soon be coming to residents in Diamondhead. At a city council meeting in April, City Manager Clovis Reed reported that the Hancock County Solid Waste Authority will accept bids on May 8th from companies interested in providing the services for each city and the unincorporated areas of Hancock County. Once the bids are received, Diamondhead officials can determine if providing recycling services to residents is feasible.
Coming Events & Announcements
Diamondhead City Council Meeting
Tuesday, May 2, 2017, 9am (changed due to primary election)
Bids are due on April 27th for the Bayou Drive and Vaught Circle kayak launches.
April 29th at 12 noon is the deadline for in person absentee voting at City Hall.
Save the Dates:
Annual Memorial Day Service with the VFW Post 2880 on May 27, 2017.
VFW Post 2880 Vietnam Moving Wall on display at Diamondhead City Hall, first time on the Coast
Diamondhead is recognized across the country as the smartest city in Mississippi, the Best Place to Live and one of the Top 10 Livable Cities in the State for its amenities, quality of life, low crime rate, access to employment, education and affordable housing. To stay connected to news and events in Diamondhead and find online payment services, maps and other helpful links, go to www.diamondhead.ms.gov. Residents can also sign up for the regular eblast @diamondhead.ms.gov or Text “DIAMONDHEAD” TO 22828 OR CALL City Hall at 228-222-4626.
