We have concluded several infrastructure projects in North Carrollton at the end of 2024 while looking to building on these efforts in 2025. For as long as I can remember I have been fascinated with infrastructure, I guess from watching my uncle Hester McCluskey going to work for the Carroll County Bridge crew in the seventies, from that time seeing the positive results from building bridges and roads.
Just like in the old days is true today that keeping infrastructure up to date is a constant task. It can be an expensive task from repairs to initiating projects.
Throughout the years we have sought and been awarded funding from FEMA in times of disaster, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), and the latest in 2024 was federal funding through the Emergency Watershed Protection (EWP) which included white rock and new drainage culvert for Mill Drive. No matter how small or big these efforts are infrastructure matters because it can be costly the more it deteriorates. Seeking these funds makes a difference, it can be a game changer. Our commerce and economic development relies on our quality infrastructure just as in years past. While there has been a history of significant efforts over the last century of infrastructure programs it is important to continue.
One needs to look no further than the Works Progress Administration (WPA), the biggest and most ambitious of more than a dozen New Deal agencies created My grandfather Willie Woods, who worked for the WPA back in the 1930’s when the community house in Carrollton was built. The WPA remains the largest public works program in the nation's history. It provided 8 million jobs in communities large and small. I am proud of the effort that has been made in seeking infrastructure in our community today and in the past.
Just like when granddaddy worked for the WPA, those WPA efforts were good works that have carried on through decades and generations. Infrastructure also gives people job opportunities like my granddaddy, the WPA for example put 8.5 million Americans back to work.
The unexpected, like disasters, can do major damage to infrastructure. The goal is always build, but build back better.
Just as in the past like so many that worked to make for a better place through a host of different infrastructure projects, we can build for the future here in 2025 and beyond with continuing the efforts. That will carry on for generations, just like the good works of those from years ago.
Ken Strachan serves as the mayor of North Carrollton and is a member of the Mississippi Municipal League board of directors.
