ELLISVILLE — City officials were joined by county and state officials for the ground breaking ceremony for the City of Ellisville’s multi-purpose building.

Hosted by the Economic Development Authority of Jones County, the ground breaking Monday marks the official start of the construction of a building near the new library that will serve as a community center for the citizens of Ellisville and Red Cross Shelter, as well as a meeting place for groups and organizations.

Joining Ellisville Mayor Tim Waldrup and the Board of Aldermen in the ground breaking ceremony were State Representative Gary Staples; Bill Felder, a representative from the office of Congressman Gene Taylor; EDA Chair Marlo Dorsey; Gray Swoope, director of the Mississippi Development Authority; Jones County supervisors Andy Dial and Barry Saul and Jason Hicks of Sample & Associates.

“We are thankful that you all have come here to join us today,” said EDA Director Mitch Stennett. “This is an auspicious occasion.”

Stennett noted that the day is the result of years of hard work between Ellisville city officials and Swoope. “None of this would be possible without his help,” he said.

Waldrup added that had it not been for Swoope and the support of those at MDA, there would be no multiple purpose building in Ellisville. “Across the years, Gray has done a lot of things to help Ellisville,” he said. “They got in some stimulus money to help cities with projects such as ours. This is the largest amount given to any city.”

The city was awarded a $1 million Community Development Block Grant to construct the building. Swoope said he does not know if the amount received by Ellisville is the largest single grant given, he could truthfully say that it is among the largest.

“We have funded 18 projects all over the state,” said Swoope. “Ellisville is one of them.

“ We looked around to see who we could partner with, who had the greatest need, who could deliver on time and who would comply with the stipulations,” he said. “You have a good tract record and we wish you well.

“Make sure you get the facility built and delivered on time; Jason (Hicks) will make sure you comply,” he said, causing those in attendance to burst out in laughter.

Advanced Building Specialists of Petal, one of 11 companies to bid on the project, was awarded the contact. Advanced made the lowest bid with $868,994 for the building and $32,944 for the parking lot.

“This building will benefit the community in a number of ways,” said Waldrup. “The No. 1 purpose for the building is to serve as an emergency shelter for the Red Cross and as a community center for the citizens of Ellisville.

“No. 2, it serves as an addition to the library,” explained Waldrup. “They have so many children participating in the reading program, they need more space.

“I was out here Saturday for the Friends of the Library fund raiser and there were nearly 70 kids here,” he said. “They will now have more space for events like that.”