NATCHEZ — Adams County Supervisors took under advisement bids Tuesday for the first phase of construction on the Belwood industrial site levee near the Natchez-Adams County Port.

County Engineer Jim Marlow sad the estimate for the first phase of construction on the ring-levee is $1.1 million. The low bid, from Walter’s Construction of Laurel, came in at $895,731.50 and the highest of seven bids was from DirtWorks, Inc. of Vicksburg at $1,436,207.

Local companies also bid, including Camo Construction, with a bid of $988,476, and Dozer LLC at $1,112,380.98.

Delta Regional Authority announced a $2.3 investment in Adams County. Approximately $1.3 million is coming from a DRA grant for construction, and the county spent approximately $1 million on infrastructure improvements on the property, including moving a sewer line.

Marlow said he hoped to have a recommendation back to the board by the supervisors’ next meeting.

Board President Mike Lazarus had travel approved in the meeting for a trip to Washington, D.C., which he said would be all about working toward the future of the Belwood levee project.

“We are going to hopefully secure the second half of the funding for the levee project,” Lazarus said. “We hope to start this project and be able to go right on into phase two.”

In other news:

4The supervisors voted unanimously to accept Marlow as the county engineer. Marlow had been serving as an interim since the first meeting in January.

Supervisors had cited concerns about communication with the county’s primary engineering firm Jordan, Kaiser and Sessions, of which Marlow is an employee.

4Supervisors accepted the retirement of County Prosecutor Barrett Martin, effective May 31.

Lazarus said the county would look for someone to serve in the role on the interim basis who would not be interested in running for the position in November’s special election.

4Natchez Inc. Director Chandler Russ met with the board in executive session to discuss an industrial prospect that may locate in Adams County.

Russ said following the meeting he was not at liberty to discuss details.