Ezard talks Morton construction, water plant on WLDS

By Ryne Turke on August 18, 2016 at 1:05pm

Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard began his Thursday morning reviewing some of the latest projects going on in the city.

As the featured guest on WLDS’ AM Conversation, Ezard provided an update on the $30-million Jacksonville water plant, which he feels is making solid progress.

“Lot of concrete has been poured. I know they are over 30 percent complete. Still looking at being functional next fall and probably finishing closer to the spring of 2018. They are really working hard out there. It is a neat project that has been very well received. I think especially after our water main break. I think people understand the significance of why we are doing the project,” says Ezard.

Aldermen unanimously agreed to nearly $300,000 worth of charge orders for the new plant last month.

In other Jacksonville news, Morton Avenue has been clogged with construction equipment for the better part of the summer. Ezard knows the community wants construction wrapped up as soon as possible, but realizes a lot of work still needs to be done.

“They are doing a lot of the curves and entrances on the streets. They will start the grinding and the overlay. It will be completed before the winter time. That is when it really gets cranked up and it is going to get worse before it gets better, as far as traffic. We have had some issues with stop lights. Once they put the new traffic control devices in, then people will really understand what that project is all about. It will really help our area.”

Ezard says Jacksonville plans on improving the economic development on the east side of the city.

The Tri-County Development Corporation recently acquired an 80-acre parcel of land between Reynolds and the Jacksonville Correctional Center, where future plans are being made for an industrial park.

Ezard provided details on that purchase and gave his thoughts on the hiring of Paul Ellis as the new President of the Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation.

Click below for the full interview.