Williford, Gearhart & Knight, Inc.

 

Engineers & Surveyors

 

"Engineering Solutions for Now and the Future."

 

 

 Volume 1, Issue 9, November 25, 2008

 

HAPPY THANKSGIVING

www.wgkengineers.com


SHOW ME THE MONEY!

Usually in this space is an article about WGK’s latest and greatest project. But have you ever looked at these projects and thought, “Gosh, my town could use something like that, if only we could find the money…”  As global competition continues to drive up construction costs and the sagging economy continues to reduce budgets, now more than ever it’s important to know where to find financing for infrastructure projects.  The following is just a sample of the types of funding opportunities to get your next project completed:

 

  1. Water Pollution Control Revolving Loan Fund (WPCRLF) – Administered by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality (MDEQ), the WPCRLF provides low interest loans to deserving communities for wastewater, storm water, and non-point source pollution control projects.  The interest rate changes with each program year and is expected to be 1.75% for FY-09.  Repayment of the loan is over a twenty-year period.  A facility plan is required for program consideration not later than September 1st of the year preceding the fiscal year funding is requested. Click Here for more information.

 

  1. Drinking Water Systems Improvements Revolving Loan Fund Program (DWIRLF) - Administered by the Mississippi Department of Health (MSDH), the DWIRLF provides low interest loans for projects which address the most serious risk to human health, are necessary to ensure compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, and assist systems most in need, on a per household basis.  The interest rate changes with each program year and is expected to be 1.95% for FY-09.  Repayment of the loan is over a twenty-year period.  A facility plan is required for program consideration not later than July 1st of the year preceding the fiscal year funding is requested.  Click Here  for more information.

 

  1. Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) – Administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), the CDBG provides grants to assist the local units of government (except entitlement cities) which demonstrate a need for assistance in support of eligible activities such as water, streets, wastewater, flood improvements, certain public buildings, etc.  Applications are due in May of the year preceding the fiscal year funding is requested.  Click Here for more information.

 

  1. Small Municipalities and Limited Population Counties Grant Program – Administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), these grants are for small municipalities (less than 10,000 people) and counties (less than 30,000 people) for projects such as drainage systems; utilities (water supply systems, gas supply systems, etc); sewer systems; transportation facilities, roads, bridges, rail lines, or pipelines; marine structures; land purchases and improvements; airfield and airport improvements; and the acquisition and improvements of buildings.  Applications are normally due around August of each year, but can vary as funding priorities change.  Click Here for more information.

 

  1. Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) – Administered by the Mississippi Emergency Management Agency (MEMA), these grants are for long-term hazard mitigation projects following a major disaster declaration.  Typical projects include elevating flood-prone homes or businesses, acquiring flood-prone homes, improving drainage ways, and purchasing emergency generators. Available grant funding is based upon a percentage of all assistance funding made available by FEMA following a disaster.  Grants are funded 75% by FEMA and 25% by the grant requestor.  The State will occasionally help fund the 25% share, as was the case with Hurricane Katrina HMGP funding.  Most HMGP projects require a detailed benefit-cost analysis in which the benefits of the project must be at least equal to the costs to be considered a viable project.

Click Here for more information.

 

This is just a small sampling of the programs available for funding your next project.  Each program has its own particular requirements for requesting assistance.  Some require a significant amount of lead time; all require a decent level of effort for processing.  One thing is certain: the more you educate yourself about these programs, the more successful you will be in creating winning applications. WGK has a history of providing the engineering expertise needed to get the funding you need. 
Give us a call – we’re here to help.
                                                                Article by:  Brian Standley

 

 

When God Shows Up

 

In this world of instant gratification, busyness and materialism do we really ever recognize when God shows up? Do we ever really see our prayers answered? Do we ever see our desires rewarded? We have become a left-brained scientific community that must understand everything before it can be true. Maybe that’s why we are so busy;

we’re all playing God (being in control). Coincidence is just that it’s coincidence.

 

Lately my eyes have become open even wider to how big our God is. Two and a half years ago me and my business partner Phil were dreaming together and I journaled some of our desires. Now if you’re like me I seldom go back and look at my journals to see how I have grown as a Christian; I am too busy, but for some reason about a month ago I decided to look through a couple of journals. In one of the journals I found that day we dreamed together (Phil and I). In the journal I asked God for a studio. Now I am no musician or musical engineer, but as a young man I loved music. I actually met my wife while working the lights for a band at her homecoming dance. Music is a part of me and my ministry.

 

You see we miss the times that God shows up because we forget what we asked him for. This article is being written from my music studio in downtown Clinton this morning. Thanks God!

 

Help me see when you show up for me and help others see your blessings in their life.


Michael McDade

325 Hwy 80 East, Suite 145

Clinton, MS  39056

601-506-3579

mike@eyesoftheheart.com

 

 


Mississippi has the highest average rate of fire deaths in the country.  Safe at Home – Preventing Fires in Mississippi is about life and death.  Fires in Mississippi kill men, women, and children, in mobile homes, apartments, and houses and many Mississippians are unaware of the fire danger risks posed by their daily activities.

Here are a few facts:

Fact sheets
Learn how to protect yourself and your family from fire.

FACT 1: Cooking is the #1 cause of home fires and home fire injuries. Most cooking fires start when household items – such as clothing, food or grease, food wrappers, cabinets, or wall coverings – catch fire.

FACT 2: Many homes lack central heating, and it is not uncommon for families to rely on space or electric heaters, ovens, and stoves to stay warm.

FACT 3: Smoking is the deadliest cause of fire deaths, because smoking fires often occur at night when the smoker has fallen asleep. Even people who are not smoking die in fires caused by cigarettes.

For more information on preventing fires along with more safety tips and fact sheets please visit the safe at home website at www.safeathome-ms.org.

Free Smoke Alarm Program

The Mississippi State Department of Health (MSDH) offers free smoke alarm installation in your home for selected counties in the state. To find out if you qualify, call 601-576-7781.

For more information on safety tips and to visit their website Click Here

CLIENT
SPOTLIGHT


10 Ways to Save Money on Health Costs
 During the Recession

 

Most people are worried about the health of the economy. But does the economy also affect your health?  Although there is some evidence that recession can actually improve certain health trends, health-related money anxiety could rise.  Below are 10 ways to prevent and lessen health-money woes.

1. Make a prevention resolution. If you’re overweight (millions of Americans are pre-diabetic and don’t know it), get your weight down to reduce your risk of diabetes.

2. Stick to your meds. If you’re on regular medication—astatin for high cholesterol, or aspirin to prevent a heart attack, for example—take your medicine. Failure to comply (including skipping doses to save money) is a common behavior, but it can reduce drug efficacy. If you lose your insurance coverage, you may be able to find a cheaper version of the drug, and most drug companies have programs to help people who cannot afford their medicines. But don’t stop taking a med without consulting your doctor.

3. Go generic if you can. Always ask about costs when your doctor prescribes a medicine. Request the cheapest effective drug—an older formulation or generic may cost less and do the same good.

4. Find cheap, good sources of medication. There are safe Internet options, and stores like Wal-Mart offer significant savings. There are also money-saving strategies such as buying pills in bulk, splitting larger-dose pills into the prescribed dosage, and more.

5. Eat better, save more. Healthy eating and cheaper eating can dovetail nicely. Reduce portion sizes to healthy levels and move whole grains and vegetables to the “center” of your diet: You’ll save money and be healthier. Simpler, natural healthy foods—dry beans, inexpensive vegetables—are often cheaper than unhealthy processed foods.

 

Mayor Greg Butler
www.cityofmorton.com

 

Greg Butler was born in San Antonio, Texas; however, he was raised in Raleigh, Mississippi.  He graduated from Raleigh High School and attended Jones County Junior College.  He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from the University of Southern Mississippi.  He was employed with B.C. Rogers Poultry, Inc. for 25 years in the positions of Plant Manager, Assistant Processing Director, and Processing Director and was the owner and operator of Butler Pallets for 5 years.

 

He was elected Mayor of the City of Morton in 2001 and is now serving his 2nd term.  His many affiliations include the Mid-Mississippi Development District, Morton Chamber of Commerce and the Keep Morton Beautiful Committee.   He currently serves on the Mississippi Municipal League Legislative Committee and is on the Board of Directors of Scott Regional Hospital.  He is Past President of the Morton Lions Club and is the Vice-Chairman of the East Mississippi Mayor's Association.  He is a long-time member of the Morton United Methodist Church where he serves as President of the Men's Club.

 

Mayor Butler graduated from the Mississippi Municipal League's Educational Program as a Certified Municipal Official, Advanced Level Certified Municipal Official, and Professional Development Level.  He is presently pursuing an Executive Juris Doctorate degree through a correspondence study from West Coast School of Law.

 

He has been married to Rhonda (Dukes) Butler for the past 34 years and they have two daughters and one son.  Daughter Heather Davis graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in accounting and holds an MBA Degree and is also a Licensed CPA.  Daughter Candi McDonnell graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi with a B.S. Degree in Nursing.  Their son Todd Butler

graduated from Mississippi State University with a B.S. degree in Business and Mississippi College School of Law with a Juris Doctorate Degree.  Mayor Butler has one grandson, Dylan Brice Davis, who is 4 years old.

 

The City of Morton recently won the 2008 Clarion Ledger/Mississippi Municipal League's Excellence Award in Public Safety for municipalities with populations under 10,000. This award was based on the City, the Morton Chamber of Commerce and citizens of Morton organizing a successful "Neighborhood Watch" program in 2007.

 

THANKSGIVING TRAVEL TIPS

The busiest holiday travel days are Wednesday and Thursday, so if your schedule allows, consider leaving on Tuesday and returning on Friday to avoid the travel chaos.

 

Allow plenty of time for check-in at the airport. The general rule is be there 2 hours ahead… for Thanksgiving travel.

 

If driving, take the time to have your car looked at before leaving to prevent avoidable breakdowns. Make sure to pack an emergency pack with an up-to-date map, water, non-perishable food items, blankets and emergency flares. You can never be too careful!

 

Think about taking a train to your destination instead of driving. It will take about the same amount of time as driving would but will have a lot less hassle involved. Getting a passenger suite is especially ideal if you have little ones who could use a floor to play on or if you want some beauty rest before seeing the family.

 

What's Happening in Your Town?

 

If something is happening in your town/city that you want to include in this section
please send me an e-mail at srand@wgkengineers.com

 

City of Meridian
Museum of Art Exhibit
November 22 - December 27, 2008

Featuring: Museum Members Show- Annual exhibit giving Museum 
members the chance to show
off their artistic talents.

Location: Meridian Museum of Art
Address: 628 25th Ave., Meridian, MS
Admission is Free

Call Kate Cherry 601-693-1501
for more information.



 City of Brookhaven  
150th Year Celebration
Christmas Parade
Thursday, December 4th
beginning at 7:00 p.m. 

If you have questions
please contact the
Brookhaven-Lincoln
 County Chamber
of Commerce
at 601-833-1411


City of Morton

Morton "Day in the Park".

 

Annual event held on the first
 Saturday in May 2008

Arts & Crafts,

Local Entertainment,

Antique Tractors,

Domino Tournament,

Ball Games,

Political speaking,

Door prizes,

Concert featuring headline artists beginning at 8 p.m.

 


Port Gibson Main Street Association
will sponsor an evening of caroling, involving ASU, Chamberlain Hunt
Academy, the Claiborne County School District and other community organizations. 
Also scheduled is the lighting of the Main Street Christmas Tree.  Events will be held at the corner of Fair and Market Street on Thursday, December 4, 2008 at 6:00 p.m.

Port Gibson Main Street Association
will hold its annual Christmas Parade
 along Main Street on Saturday,
December 6th, at 10:00 a.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

City of Clinton
Lighting of Olde Towne &
Clinton Christmas Tree
 December 4th at 7:00 p.m.

in front of the
Clinton Police Department


Claiborne County Parks Commission
will hold its annual lighting of its
Christmas Tree
at the
Claiborne County Fairgrounds
on December 2nd, at 6:00 p.m.

 

City of Forest
2008 Christmas Parade

December 12, 2008

5:30 p.m.

 

The theme of the parade is

A Candy Land Christmas

City of Brookhaven Historic Downtown Tour
Saturday, December 6th
 from 4:00 -8:00 p.m.

Tickets may be pre-ordered or purchased
on the day of the tour at the Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber of Commerce after 2:00 p.m.

For more information Click Here

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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