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Downtown Starkville is Next Focus Area for Water System Upgrades

Lampkin and Main project will set stage for future expansion and growth

As infrastructure upgrades proceed on schedule in Green Oaks and Rolling Hills neighborhoods, Starkville Utilities is shifting its focus to the downtown area with a water system improvement initiative on Lampkin and Main streets.

Set to begin in early 2023, the proposed project will involve installing new water mains along Main Street from Jackson Street to Washington Street and Lampkin Street from Washington Street to S. Montgomery Street. The project will also replace and upgrade sewer components in the downtown corridor.

“This is a continuation of our Future FOCUS initiative to modernize Starkville’s utility infrastructure and ensure that all customers have access to safe, reliable and affordable utility services,” said Edward Kemp, general manager of Starkville Utilities. “The downtown area is the core of our community, and these projects will support our commitment for future expansion and growth.”

Currently, two pipes provide water service in the area. Crews will replace them with a single, appropriately sized water main and reattach services to the new line. The design phase is nearing completion, and Starkville Utilities plans to select a contractor in the fall after a competitive bid process.

The project, which is part of the city’s capital improvement plan, is estimated to cost between $1.25 million and $1.5 million and take four to five months to complete.

“We’re designing the project to minimize impact to customers in the area” Kemp said. “Although there will be temporary inconvenience to our customers and shoppers, the long-term benefits and cost savings of a brand-new system.”

Starkville Utilities is a public utility serving 14,000 residences, businesses and industries in Starkville, Mississippi as well as Mississippi State University. Its mission is to supply safe, reliable, and cost-effective electric and water service of superior quality and value that improves the lives of its customers.

We are a Water and Electric Utilities Company in Starkville