The Pearl River County Road Department reported damage to a paving project over the Easter weekend.

According to photos posted on the Pearl River County EOC and Roads Facebook page, it appears someone tore up several sections of the newly paved Dupont-Harts Chapel Road. Whether it was intentional or not, the department is calling it an act of vandalism.

Because of the damage, additional funds will have to be used to the repair the road once again.

While tire marks left by an apparent spin out may seem minor, fixing the damage is going to delay the overall project, and therefore take time away from other projects that desperately need tending. 

Because the weather is getting warm so quickly, the road department is beginning the paving process that was outlined in the county’s four-year road plan.

The department spent months advertising for qualified asphalt technicians but received very few applications, most with little to no experience.

The lack of trained help and funds is putting the road department in a bind.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation recently restriped Highway 11, sending Picayune residents a pretty clear message the expansion project won’t be happening anytime soon.

The Governor is supposed to convene a special session of the legislature to finalize the budget. MDOT has yet to receive a final funding amount, but the forecast doesn’t look good.

Legislation that would have required online retailers to collect a seven percent sales tax and return it to the state for infrastructure failed this year.

Whether you support the tax or not, tax revenue in the state isn’t coming in as projected, and our roads continue to deteriorate.