Three closed bridges in Tippah County could mean tax increase

There are three bridges currently closed in Tippah County according to the Mississippi economic council and those closures could mean a tax increase or bond issue to pay for repairs.

According to a piece in Mississippi today inaction on the part of the state legislature plus the possibility of more bridge closures this year could leave county governments with no option but to raise taxes or issue debt to pay for repairs.

With more bridge closures almost a “sure thing” according to a local construction company owner the question is where will the money come from?

Years of neglect and inaction, especially as relates to older bridges, has created an infrastructure nightmare throughout the state. Earlier this year, 100+ bridges were deemed deficient by National Bridge Inspection Standards.

Over 500 local bridges are closed across Mississippi according to the office of state aid road construction.