The Mississippi legislature has approved a bill to establish the Jackson Water Authority, sending it to the governor for final approval. This move comes after years of water infrastructure problems that have plagued the state’s capital city.
The bill, which passed both the House and Senate, aims to create a centralized body to oversee and manage Jackson’s water system. Officials say the new authority will help address frequent water outages and contamination issues that have drawn national attention.
The impetus for the bill came after a series of water crises in Jackson, including a 2022 incident where thousands of residents were left without safe drinking water for weeks. Analysts argue that the creation of the Jackson Water Authority represents a significant step toward resolving these systemic issues.
The bill now awaits Governor Tate Reeves’ signature. Sources indicate that the governor is likely to sign it, given the urgency of the situation and bipartisan support for the measure.