Leakesville
Leakesville Mayor David West said the city’s top priority for the 2025 legislative session is securing $1.6 million to improve basic infrastructure, including roads and drainage. Of that, more than $625,000 is earmarked for debris removal and infrastructure repairs following Hurricane Zeta’s 2020 landfall. The city also aims to promote small business growth and expand outdoor recreation opportunities.
“We’re just after the money we’ve asked for (the last) four years. We’re trying to have a nice place to live,” West said. “Government doesn’t build businesses, but government lays the foundation for some businesses. If you’ve got nice roads and stuff, people will come in here. That road will sell that house before that house will sell that road.”
“You have to pick and choose what you need for your community,” he said. “So, that’s where it’s at with us. We’re trying to do more recreation and entertainment than industry because you’d have to be right in front of somebody that’s got businesses.”
West said Leakesville relies heavily on revenue from its water system, which brought in $55,000 in October — a significant increase from the usual $27,000 to $30,000 monthly average.
The mayor also emphasized the difficulty small towns face in meeting grant match requirements for infrastructure projects, which puts them at a disadvantage for attracting large developers.
“Our location isn’t ideal for transportation. We’re not in the hub, but we’re in a good spot for fishing, recreation, and we can bring up entertainment venues and stuff like that,” West said. “People that don’t want to be in the hubs and want to get out and get away — it brings money that way.”
RHCJC staffers reached out to the mayors of McLain and State Line for this story. Their perspectives will be added once they respond to our requests.
Your Voice Matters!
We’re reaching out to mayors across our 10-county area to learn about their priorities for the 2025 legislative session. This is an ongoing series, and we want to hear from you! If there’s a specific topic you’d like us to ask your elected officials about, email us at rhcjcnews.com.