The Columbus Redevelopment Authority board voted Thursday to hire Cornerstone Government Affairs, a Washington D.C.-based lobbying firm, to pursue additional funding for its Burns Bottom redevelopment project.
Board Attorney Jeff Turnage told The Dispatch the board had been waiting before hiring the firm for an Attorney General’s opinion on whether it could have its own lobbyist separate from the city of Columbus.
However, AG Lynn Fitch submitted a non-response, stating she could not give an opinion because state law does not dictate whether a board of a municipality can hire a lobbyist.
“I thought it would be helpful to protect the board’s individual liability for wrongful expenditure to handle that, but (state law) already says you can employ professionals that you reasonably believe are necessary to carry out your functions,” Turnage told the board. “If you want to proceed to execute the agreement, then you’ll just need to make a finding that (Cornerstone) meets the qualifications of a professional service that is necessary.”
Earlier this year, the board voted to hire Cornerstone, but Mayor Keith Gaskin asked CRA to hold off until an AG opinion confirmed whether it could use lobbyists separate from the city to pursue state and federal funds.
CRA President Marthalie Porter said the contract with Cornerstone is effective immediately, and CRA will pay the firm $120,000 per year, in addition to the $36,000 per year it already pays Beth Clay for state lobbying in Jackson.
“We feel like we got enough clarity that we can hire a lobbyist, and we were feeling that way before we asked for the opinion,” Porter said. “Through Cornerstone, we will first be looking to them to hear about ideas and opportunities (for additional funds) and some direction moving forward with them.”
The city pays Worth Thomas Consulting $60,000 annually for both federal and state lobbying.
The CRA was established in 2014 to target redevelopment in the city’s urban renewal zone, which includes Burns Bottom. The city council in 2017 approved issuing $3.2 million in bonds to CRA for land acquisition of more than 70 lots, site prep and marketing in Burns Bottom — located in a five-block area east of Lowndes County Soccer Complex between Third and Fourth Street North and Second and Seventh Avenue North.
Board member Chris Chain said any funding the board hopes to receive will come in addition to the $2.2 million CRA is up for in the federal Transportation, Housing and Urban Development appropriations bill for the project, which has not yet been approved by the Senate. Additional money would also complement the $3 million the legislature appropriated to CRA earlier this year for infrastructure.
“Doing this could only help the city (with this project),” Chain said. “Our whole intention is not bad, but good. In moving this forward, this could help all of the citizens of Columbus.”
Gaskin pushed to consolidate lobbying efforts for all city agencies and appointed commissions earlier this year after the legislature funded the Burns Bottom project but passed over the city’s request for more money to finish the Sen. Terry Brown Amphitheater.
Gaskin declined to comment when contacted by The Dispatch Wednesday afternoon.
Neel-Schaffer hired for engineering services
During the meeting, CRA also accepted a request for qualification from Neel-Schaffer, a Jackson based engineering firm with a presence in Columbus, to conduct a floodplain and environmental study before it begins $6 million worth of road, water, sewer and broadband work in spring 2024, Chain said.
The firm will also outline how to make those infrastructure upgrades.
“We’re elated to continue working with the redevelopment authority on Burns Bottom,” said Kevin Stafford, Neel-Schaffer vice president and North Mississippi regional manager.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 30 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
Join the Discussion