LUCEDALE — Lucedale officials secured funding during the 2026 legislative session for infrastructure projects, including road and utility improvements, as George County continues to grow. 

George County’s population grew 7.4% between 2020 and 2025, according to a Jan. 5 RHCJC News report. 

Lucedale Mayor Al Jones said population growth prompted the city to seek state funding for infrastructure projects, including traffic signals at developing Main Street intersections and improvements to Venture Drive. 

Jones said the city secured a $1.764 million grant from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund for the design phase of the Cowart Street Improvements Project, along with legislative funding for traffic signals to improve access between key roadways and Lucedale’s commercial district. 

“We’re still working on some athletic fields and recreational fields, and they’ll see those soon because they were already in progress, but the infrastructure is slow,” Jones said. “They won’t see it immediately, but it is in the works.” 

While residents may not immediately notice major changes, Jones said several projects are moving forward behind the scenes. 

“Be patient,” Jones said. “It’s a slow process with the resources we have, and we have to divide them up evenly.”

The city has applied for a Community Development Block Grant to renovate the control house at one of its water wells, strengthening the local water system as the community grows. 

For public safety, city officials are applying for a federal U.S. Department of Agriculture grant to purchase emergency equipment for the Lucedale Fire Department. 

While the city has made progress, Jones said additional funding will be needed to complete future phases of the Cowart Street Improvements Project. 

“We’re hoping to get funding for Phase 2 of that road project, along with funding for contractors,” Jones said. “We’ve been very fortunate to have support and are hopeful that it continues.”