by DAVID HAMILTON

The Natchez Democrat

NATCHEZ — City officials said the Natchez Visitor Reception Center would soon undergo some much-needed repairs at no cost to the city.

City of Natchez Community Development Director James Johnston said the Mississippi Legislature provided the funds, which are administered by the Mississippi Development Authority.

Tourism Director Jennifer Ogden Combs said the MDA recently approved use of these funds to provide the repairs, which will cost approximately $38,000.

“This will help deal with some top-of-the-list issues,” Combs said.

Johnston said upgrading the center’s heating and cooling system, repairing the built-in gutter system, and making repairs to the outdoor water fountain and reflecting pools top the list of required maintenance.

“For the outdoor fountain, the city will fill in the reflecting pools with dirt and then sod,” Johnston said. “The water feature will be repaired and only remain at the fountain, no longer extend to the reflecting pools.”

Combs also said while the city would have to initially pay for the repairs, the MDA would cover the full cost of the repairs once they are made.

“(The cost of the repairs) will strictly be out of a grant received last year, so it will be totally, 100-percent reimbursed … which is what makes it so great,” Combs said.

Combs said MDA gave a three-month extension on the grant and that the city wants to have the project completed as soon as possible, with the repairs to begin immediately.

“Being able to get going and move forward, it’s really important,” Combs said.

Johnston said the city has issued purchase orders for necessary parts to complete the maintenance activities.