By Billy Davis

A 50-foot-long culvert that has sat along Eureka Road since January will now be installed by the road department following approval by Panola County supervisors Monday.

James Taylor requested the culvert for an automotive shop at 4827 Eureka Road but its installation was postponed until he got a permit for the shop. The county land commission approved the business April 10.

The culvert has caused some backroom conversations among supervisors, since it cost county government $8,162 to purchase. The 50-foot culvert is also taller than a man at eight feet in diameter.

Road manager Lygunnah Bean provided the cost of the culvert and its dimensions to The Panolian.

Three weeks after Taylor’s shop was approved, Bean told supervisors it was time to get their instructions for the road department.  

“It’s time to do something,” replied Supervisor John Thomas. “The man has done everything we asked him to do.”

Taylor’s shop and the culvert are located in District 3, which Thomas is representing during his first term as supervisor.

“Is that a motion?” asked board president Kelly Morris.

Thomas nodded at the question and supervisors voted 5-0 to move ahead with installing the culvert.