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Atmos officials address infrastructure improvements in Jackson’s Ward 4

By Cameron Smith Feb 13, 2024 | 10:14 PM

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Many South Jackson residents are still concerned about Atmos Energy trucks in their neighborhoods. On Tuesday, Councilman Brian Grizell, Ward 4, held a community meeting to help his constituents better understand what’s going on.

The meeting was held at Greater Mt. Olive MB Church. Grizzell said there’s been a lack of investment for a long time, and improvements are being made to infrastructure in South Jackson.

“I think now we’re seeing a lot of improvements in our utilities, including water, natural gas, cable. We’re getting fiber optics. We have a lot of things going on right now that a lot of people just aren’t used to seeing. And it’s got us kind of looking kind of like what’s really happening here but this is for the good,” the councilman said.

Officials with Atmos Energy said residents do not have to worry, because they’re making improvements for the future. They’re using state-of-the-art equipment, and the investment is worth millions.

“The reason we’re doing this work is to make our system stronger and safer. It’s a significant capital investment. This is in the best interest of all Mississippians, all Jacksonians a stronger natural gas system makes for a stronger city. And this is in the best interests of all residents,” said Bobby Morgan II, Atmos vice president of Public Affairs – Mississippi Division.

Residents asked Morgan how long the repairs would take.

“This work we’re doing again is nothing new, and we’re surveying the system. We’re working, we started initially in Southwest Jackson. We do this work, and this work will be forth going for the coming weeks, months and years ahead. We’ve invested in Jackson significantly in the past few years. We’re going to continue to invest in Jackson, so this work continues, perhaps not at the scope and scale that these residents see today with all the large trucks and crews and out of state, but works going to continue, sir,” he stated.

Grizzell said it may be peculiar having all of the utilities in neighborhoods, but it’s all to improve the quality of life.