By Deborah Buckhalter

Published: March 25, 2008

Jackson County commissioners agreed to kick in another $50,000 to help Chipola College and the county’s own road system as the school attempts to build a new main entrance into the college.

Earlier this year, since the improvement off River Forest Road would also improve the county road at large, commissioners agreed to put up $40,000 to help pay for drainage upgrades made necessary by the project. The college is paying $123,000 toward the improvement, which includes replacing three drain pipes with larger ones and adding four additional pipes, but came back for more money Tuesday.

The $50,000 represents the difference in what it would cost to use concrete drain pipes versus cheaper aluminum pipes. The request for extra money came after County Engineer Larry Alvarez asked Chipola to use the more expensive, longer-lasting material. Alvarez estimated that concrete pipes would likely last twice as long as the aluminum type and said he thought it would be prudent to spend the extra money now rather than face replacement costs sooner with aluminum.

County commissioners voted 3-1 to contribute the additional funds. Chipola College professor and department chairman Dr. Willie Spires abstained from the vote and Commissioner Jeremy Branch voted against the expenditure.

The water that needs to have adequate drainage comes from a variety of sources, including the college, Jackson Hospital, some residences and other points.
The funds committed by the county would come out of the local government’s share of 1-cent gas sales tax money.