The Mississippi Legislature recently decided to create a new authority tasked with eventual oversight of the city of Jackson’s water system, and now that Republican Gov. Tate Reeves has signed the bill into law, members of the authority’s board are beginning to be named.
The nine-member Jackson Metro Water Authority board is expected to assume oversight of Jackson’s water system as early as 2027, pending federal court approval and the completion of the transition out of receivership under JXN Water, a third-party utility appointed by a federal judge following the 2022 water crisis. While the move does eventually return control of the water system to local leaders, it stops short of giving Jackson a majority voice on the board – something current Democratic Mayor John Horhn has expressed disappointment in.
Members of the board must be appointed by Horhn (3), Reeves (2), Lt. Gov. Delbert Hosemann (1), Ridgeland Mayor Gene McGee (1), Byram Mayor Richard White (1), and another member jointly decided on by Horhn and Reeves. Suburb representation was added by the Mississippi Senate as both Ridgeland and Byram use some of Jackson’s water services.
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All appointments must be made by May 1, 2026, with some already being announced. Once the board makeup is set, members will eventually select a president to oversee operations and manage the transition from federal receivership under U.S. District Judge Henry Wingate, with current JXN Water manager Ted Henifin continuing oversight duties until that transition is complete.
Ridgeland first to announce appointment
The city of Ridgeland was the first to announce its appointment. City engineer Paul Forster was selected by McGee and approved by the Board of Aldermen on April 22.
In his role as Ridgeland’s city engineer, Forster “supports key areas including transportation, water and sewer infrastructure, environmental initiatives, and community development,” per a press release from McGee’s office. He previously served as the city engineer and director of engineering and utilities for the city of Flowood.
“We are looking forward to serving the entirety of the jurisdiction on this authority, and we hope to contribute to the success of the entire metro area through our efforts,” Forster said in a statement after his appointment.
Forster also serves on the Commission for the City of Jackson’s 1% Special Sales Tax, a separate board overseeing funds from a voter-approved 2014 tax on retail sales. It generates approximately $15 million annually to fund infrastructure such as streets, bridges, and water and sewer lines.
Jackson mayor follows with his selections
Horhn, who has the most picks on the board, announced those on April 25. Those selected were Shirley R. Tucker, Austin Barbour, and Daniel L. Walker. Augustus Leon Collins was recommended by Horhn to be the joint selection of the mayor and governor’s office.
Tucker lives in Jackson and has spent decades assisting businesses through the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and the Mississippi Small Business Development Center. She is the co-owner of BATES Communication and previously served as interim chief of staff for the Mississippi Minority Business Alliance and the Women Business Center of MS.
Barbour, a lobbyist and businessman who lives in Jackson, is managing partner of the Clearwater Group. He is also a partner with Strategic Partners & Media, which is based in Maryland.
Walker is an environmental and water treatment professional who has served as an engineer for major industrial operations such as Grand Gulf Nuclear Station and Nissan. He has also provided consulting on various water treatment initiatives, including projects supporting NASA.
Collins, who will need a sign-off from Reeves, was the adjutant general of both the Mississippi Army National Guard and the Mississippi National Guard before retiring from the posts. He currently serves as CEO of MINACT, a career training and education management company that is one of the largest Black-owned corporations in Mississippi.
All appointments from Horhn will need confirmation from the Jackson City Council.
“[These] appointments are an important step in ensuring Jackson is represented by committed leaders who understand the responsibility before us and are prepared to work for the long-term success of our water system,” Horhn said.
Reeves, Hosemann, and White have yet to announce their appointments to the Jackson Metro Water Authority board.
