City Engineer David Gardner is correct when he said making repairs to the sewage system in the area of Highland Boulevard and U.S. 61 South is simply the right thing to do.

For years, residents along Highland Boulevard near the bridge that crosses St. Catherine Creek have suffered through sewage overflows during torrential rains, which happen frequently in our almost-tropical locale.

Gardner said currently when the area gets more than an average rain, sewage sprays onto Highland Boulevard.

For residents and business owners who must live and work in the area such a disgusting situation is unacceptable..

Other areas of the city, too, deserve attention and should be made a priority, like Montebello subdivision. Areas of that neighborhood flood terribly and often.

Gardner said the Highland Boulevard fix includes installing a pump station to connect to the sewer and funnel excess rainwater to a nearby empty lagoon, which will then drain into the wastewater treatment plant.

Natchez Water Works will fund the bulk of the $1.3 million project. Delta Regional Authority will kick in $300,000. Work should begin within the next three weeks.

We applaud the city for taking steps to correct the sewage overflow at Highland Boulevard, before some environmental agency forces such repairs.

We hope city leaders are making plans to address similar concerns elsewhere in Natchez.