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Jackson County upgrades old government building

By Patrice Clark- bio | email

MOSS POINT, MS (WLOX) - One of the largest government buildings in Jackson County will soon undergo a facelift. 

The Jefferson Street Complex in Moss Point has eight departments, including the Department of Human Services and Head Start. The Jackson County maintenance director calls the complex old and outdated.

"This building was built back in the 70s, and everything in Pascagoula and throughout Jackson County since the storm is being rebuilt," Scott Karcher said. "Everything looks a lot better than this facility does."

Supervisor Melton Harris represents the area and said the building desperately needs an upgrade.

"I have been there, and you can go see there is no insulation," Harris said. "When the air condition shuts off, it heats up in a hurry in the summertime. In the wintertime, it does not take time to cool off in a hurry."

The county and state together are planning to spend nearly a million dollars to renovate the large building.  Karcher said the exterior work will come first.

"We are going to have a new facade out front, and it is going to be more modern," Karcher said about the old building. "All the front of it is going to be repainted, and all the trees are going to come out. The air conditioners will be replaced with new air conditioner units.  We are going to be recoating the roof.

Inside, the DHS area will be repainted, cracked floors fixed and restrooms added in the lobby.

"It is better for all your employees and the public that come to this facility. They are coming to a place that looks the same for years, and years, and years. If we update it, it will be a more pleasant place to come."

The parking lot at the Jefferson Street Complex will also be recoated. Supervisors expect to award the building contract before the end of the month.

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