Opinion ID: 1700088
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 10

Heading: what it comes to

Text: Examining the four reasons for the District's existence: first, its benefit as a flood control enterprise has been dubious indeed; nor has it rendered benefits in either pollution abatement or irrigation. Jackson has had no need for the reservoir of water for the city's or industrial needs. Of the four purposes, recreation has been the only one realistically served. The lake has no doubt furnished pleasurable hours to many. Even here, however, it is clear that overwhelmingly an effort has been made by the District officers to create, foster and nurture by state subsidy an urban resort community near the lake. The effect of removal of priceless land from enjoyment by the public has been ignored. As to the possibility of a conflict which an urban community beside the lake will create in competing with the other purposes of the District  such as flood control, pollution control, and recreation by the public at large  there is no indication this has crossed the minds of the District officers. The Pearl River Valley Water Supply District could now more accurately be called the Pearl River Urban Resort Community. Since the District's formation, the taxpayers of these five counties have paid $12,139,569 over and above the bonded indebtedness payments of principal and interest. The City of Jackson has paid another $11,000,000 making a total of $23,139,569 paid in excess of the bonded indebtedness. The District has not been short in its capital improvements, the construction of public facilities has not been neglected. The Shoreline Development Fund has spent a total of $4,464,411 since 1967. [23] In the same period the Property Improvement Fund has expended $10,208,138 for private development. This excludes the benefits the District has rendered the Property Improvement Fund by District personnel and District equipment working on these private subdivisions, already noted.