A U.S. District Court judge has temporarily blocked the creation of the Metro Jackson Water Authority, prompting the governor of Mississippi to delay making appointments to the authority’s board.
Governor Tate Reeves (R) announced Friday he would not appoint any members at this time. He said the state will continue working with the court to transfer control of the water system to an entity that best serves Jackson residents, businesses, and officials, once the receivership ends.
Last week, Judge Henry Wingate said he needed more time to review House Bill 1677, which Reeves signed into law in April. The judge set deadlines for Jackson and other parties to submit briefs, with Jackson’s filing due within five days and others by May 10. The city argues that only a federal court can decide the water system’s future…