Jackson seeks federal court order to block new water authority created by Mississippi law

The city of Jackson has filed a motion in federal court to block the establishment of a new water authority, claiming that state lawmakers overstepped their authority with recent legislation. City attorney Drew Martin argued that the federal court is the appropriate body to oversee the transition of Jackson’s water and sewer systems, not the state legislature.

The law, signed by Gov. Tate Reeves on April 8, creates a separate water authority to manage Jackson’s water and sewer systems once a federal court releases those systems from third-party management. The current third-party operator, Ted Henifin, has been overseeing the systems since 2022 through a private company called JXN Water. A federal judge has yet to approve a transition plan from Henifin, and the judge’s order requires such approval before any change occurs.

Under the law, the new nine-member water authority would be appointed by elected officials, with Jackson Mayor John Horhn protesting the process. He contended the city should have a majority of the appointments, given its financial stake in the infrastructure. The law also requires the city to lease its water and sewer assets before the authority can begin operations, and the judge’s approval is still pending.

Meanwhile, the city announced appointments to the new board over the weekend, including Shirley Tucker, Austin Barbour, and Daniel Walker. It also plans to recommend Augustus Collins for appointment. Ridgeland and Byram also named their representatives, but Reeves and Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann have until May 1 to choose their appointees.

In its court filing, Jackson suggested it could establish its own water authority through municipal legislation, asserting it has the legal authority to do so. The city requested a court conference to discuss its motion, but the judge has not yet responded, according to court records.

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