History
Named for Ross R. Barnett, the 52nd Governor of Mississippi a staunch segregationist, who became noted for his tumultuous clashes with the U.S. Civil Rights Movement, construction on the Ross Barnett Reservoir began in 1960 by MWH Engineering (now MWH Global) under the direction of the Pearl River Valley Water Supply District. The main purpose of the infrastructure project was to create a permanent water source to supply drinking water for the Mississippi capital city of Jackson. Construction on the lake was completed in 1963, and the water level reached average capacity in 1965. Planning then began to provide parks and recreation areas in cunjunction with the newly formed lake. Today, the Ross Barnett Reservoir serves as a significant water source, a major recreational area, and a catalyst for residential and economic development. There are currently 4,600 homes along the reservoir in Madison and Rankin counties.
Read more about this topic: Ross Barnett Reservoir
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