Purnell Street revitalization project breaks ground in Snow Hill

SNOW HILL, Md. – Town officials have taken steps to revive the downtown area and residential neighborhoods. Wednesday afternoon, the town broke ground on a new project.

The Purnell Street Revitalization Project cost over $1.2 million to complete and restore the neighborhood.

Principal Civil Engineer for Davis, Bowen, & Friedel, Jason Loar spoke to WMDT about the project specifics.

“Purnell Street was almost a quarter mile long. We repaved the entire street and put in about 1,200 feet of new utilities, that includes water lines, storm sewers, and sanitary gravity sewers.”

The funds were allocated via the American Rescue Plan Act and the Maryland Department of the Environment.

Mayor Janet Simpson has declared this a moment of celebration. She thinks the project will benefit Snow Hill, “Purnell Street revitalization project is a major milestone for our town.”

Town Manager Rick Pollitt agrees. He said the collaboration between local and state got the project over the line. “Well, it’s just the culmination of a lot of dreaming, planning, and a lot of work.”

The process took more than 5 years to complete. Bids began in 2023 and were awarded in early 2024. Work began in the summer of 2024 and finished in the spring of 2025.

Pollitt is grateful the state has shown support to the town. “This community is one of many in our country that doesn’t get a lot of attention. Over time things were allowed to deteriorate,” said Pollitt. “Governor Moore’s promise is no one will be left behind. We want all people in Snow Hill to feel like they matter, and citizenship means everyone.”