Lawmakers Move Metro Jackson Water Authority Act Forward

Bill aims to reform Jackson's beleaguered water system, but city leaders have concerns over board composition.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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The Mississippi Senate Energy Committee has advanced a bill to reform the troubled Jackson water system, the Metro Jackson Water Authority Act (HB 1677). The bill outlines the creation of a new water authority to oversee the planning, acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the water and wastewater systems in the Jackson area. However, Jackson's mayor has raised concerns over certain provisions, particularly around the composition of the authority's governing board.

Why it matters

Jackson's water system has faced significant challenges, including going into federal receivership in 2022. This legislative effort aims to address the system's issues, but there are disagreements between state lawmakers and city leaders over the governance structure and control of the new water authority.

The details

The bill would create a water authority composed of representatives from various governing bodies, including the Mayor of Jackson, two appointees from the Governor and Lt. Governor, the President of the Greater Jackson Chamber of Commerce, and representatives from the cities of Byrum and Ridgeland. Jackson's mayor wants the city to hold a majority of seats on the board, arguing that since Jackson owns the water and sewer assets and will remain partly responsible for the system's debt, the city should have a stronger voice in the authority's decision-making. The bill also states that the state is not responsible for the water system's debt.

  • The Senate Energy Committee advanced the bill on March 3, 2026.
  • The bill passed the Mississippi House in early February 2026 by a vote of 100 to 13.

The players

John Horhn

The Democratic mayor of Jackson, Mississippi, who has expressed concerns over certain provisions in the bill and wants the city to hold a majority of seats on the water authority's governing board.

Joel Carter

The Republican state senator who chairs the Senate Energy Committee and has stated that the city council has two options: bankruptcy or working with the state to pass the bill.

Metro Jackson Water Authority Act (HB 1677)

The bill that aims to reform the Jackson water system by creating a new water authority to oversee the planning, acquisition, construction, maintenance, and operation of the water and wastewater systems in the Jackson area.

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What they’re saying

“We are committed to ensuring that any system we are responsible for comes with a majority of votes for the City of Jackson, a majority of the customers and ratepayers.”

— John Horhn, Mayor of Jackson (magnoliatribune.com)

“We're at a position now where the [Jackson] City Council has two options: One is bankruptcy, and the other is they can work with us to pass this bill.”

— Joel Carter, State Senator, Committee Chairman (magnoliatribune.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the full Mississippi Senate for consideration.

The takeaway

The ongoing dispute between state lawmakers and Jackson city leaders over the governance and control of the new water authority highlights the complex political dynamics involved in addressing the city's long-standing water infrastructure challenges. Resolving these differences will be crucial for ensuring a sustainable and equitable solution for Jackson's water system.