The Montgomery County Board of Supervisors voted to move forward with plans to expand the Montgomery County Coliseum at Tuesday’s regular meeting of the board.
Supervisors voted to go ahead with the construction of an 18,000-square-foot covered arena at a total cost of $480,733, which includes electrical, drainage infrastructure, and site improvements.
The county has been awarded $150,000 from the Mississippi Development Authority to assist with the project, and a CAP loan, which has an interest rate of two percent, will cover the county’s matching funds for the grant as well as the remaining cost.
According to Chancery Clerk Ryan Wood, revenue generated by the coliseum will cover the cost of the note on the CAP loan.
Wood said the addition of a covered arena adjacent to the Montgomery County Coliseum will bring additional special events to the county like the 4H District Horse Show that was scheduled for last spring but canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The show is planned for 2021.
Senator Lydia Chassaniol (R-Winona), who has assisted the county in acquiring grant funding for the project on a state level, spoke to the board in favor of the coliseum expansion.
“Not only will this help our restaurants, hotels, and expanded RV hook-ups, but it will encourage wholesome family activities,” Chassaniol said.
Wood said the coliseum is currently booked at least three weekends each month for events like horse shows and calf ropings. The expansion will only draw more events to the county.
In other business, the board recommends garbage customers put their cans on the street the night before pick-up to ensure they will not miss garbage pick-up.
