County installs wheelchair lift at coliseum

Neshoba County has completed the installation of an elevator lift at the Neshoba County Coliseum, which makes the building handicap accessible.

The lift was made possible through a Community Development Block Grant that was received in November 2019 through the Governor’s office.

The project cost $83,450 plus engineering expenses. Byram Construction of Starkville was the low bidder. They started work on the project and wrapped up last week.

In the past, if someone was wheelchair-bound or had mobility deficits and wanted to get to the arena floor from the concourse, or visa-versa, they would have to leave the building and come around to one of the sides. Now they can use the lift, which covers about 12 feet from the floor to the concourse.

“This has been a long time coming,” Kevin Cumberland, president of the Board of Supervisors. “We have been putting in for it for 10 to 12 years and it is just coming about. It is going to be great for the community and the ones who need it.”

County Administrator Jeff Mayo said a gate is being installed in front of the lift on the arena floor to prevent an animal from getting into the elevator during a rodeo.

The supervisors will hold their first meeting of September Tuesday. They will consider passing the proposed 2021 Fiscal Year budget and tax levy that day at 10 a.m.