Editor’s Note: Although this newspaper has expressed differing opinions on this issue, we thought it would be interesting to share the perspective of someone from Jackson on the “One Lake” project.
It was heartening to see the Mississippi House approve a $50 million bond issue to develop a flood plan for Jackson.
The proposal failed on its first try because downriver counties were worried the flood plan might cause flooding in their communities. Fortunately, these worries were allayed and the bond bill has passed. Both the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality have studied the plan extensively and support the project. Fears of downriver flooding are not based in fact.
What is based in fact is that Jackson could flood again if enough rain falls in the Pearl drainage area north of Jackson. This could do far more damage than the cost of the One Lake plan, especially now that the federal government has earmarked $150 million for the project. In addition, the Rankin-Hinds Pearl River Flood and Drainage Control District can use its flexible taxing authority to organize landowners who will benefit from property appreciation to help fund the plan.
This is a win-win situation, and we hope the state Senate will follow the lead of its sister legislative chamber. In addition to flood control, the One Lake plan can open up thousands of new urban acres for development. One Lake could lay the ground work for scenic waterfront development that could revive Jackson’s downtown. This would give Jackson the kind of shot in the arm it needs to become a dynamic city capable of attracting young people.
Mississippi has one big city, Jackson, in the center of the state. All Mississippians should understand that our state needs a vibrant, dynamic capital city if our state is to grow. Yet many Mississippians living outside of Jackson seem to not support its growth. This provincial and negative attitude toward Jackson needs to end. With increased ease of automobile transportation, Jackson is an asset for all Mississippians who can come to that city to dine, shop and enjoy its museums, movie theaters and other amenities.
In neighboring Alabama, Birmingham has been turned around and is now a great asset to the state. It was done with legislative support. This proves that with a concerted, unified, statewide approach, Jackson can be turned around. If this is done, more of our young people will quit leaving for Nashville, Tennessee, Austin, Texas, and other attractive urban environments and stay in Mississippi.
Young people just out of college like a hip urban scene. If Mississippi wants to retain its best and brightest, our state needs to give these young people what they want. Then when they get older, get married and start families, they will have connections to our state and are more likely to settle in our suburbs and smaller towns. A dynamic, growing metropolitan area is in the best interests of our entire state. It’s a positive development that One Lake is progressing, giving hope for a Jackson downtown renaissance.
Wyatt Emmerich is publisher of The Northside Sun in Jackson and president of Emmerich Newspapers.
