MDOT announces $10 million in funding for state projects

The Mississippi Transportation Commission (MTC) recently announced $10.1 million in funding for intermodal projects throughout the state.

The commission approved the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to award grants to regional and municipal airports, ports, railroads and public transit systems throughout Mississippi.

“MDOT’s responsibilities include maintaining and improving the state’s highways and interstates, but also focuses on providing a safe intermodal transportation network for airports, ports and waterways, railroads and public transit,” said Commissioner Tom King, Southern Transportation District. “Each of these modes of transportation play a vital role in transporting people, goods and services that promote economic growth and development throughout Mississippi.”

Funding for these multimodal grants comes from the Multimodal Transportation Improvement Fund. Money from this fund is allocated specifically to support multimodal grants each year. Grant applications, which include project details and funds requested, are reviewed and approved by a multimodal committee specific to each separate mode of transportation.

Eight projects totaling $3.4 million for port improvements were announced. Four projects totaling $1.2 million for railroad improvements were announced.

“Railroads and ports provide safe and efficient movement of goods and services,” said Commissioner Mike Tagert, Northern Transportation District. “These investments will enhance freight traffic and capacity.”

Twenty-three projects totaling $3.6 million for aeronautic improvements were announced.

“Local airports are vital to the economy of a rural state like Mississippi,” said Commissioner Dick Hall, Central Transportation District. “MDOT recognizes the importance making needed improvements that will continue to support local economic growth and development.”

Twenty-two projects totaling $1.9 million for public transit improvements were announced.

“Public transit is vital for many Mississippians,” King said. “These funds will improve public transit systems to help provide mobility options for all Mississippians.”

Eight ports received funding:

Yellow Creek State Port Authority, $400,000 – operations facility and rail yard.
Port of Rosedale, $471,396 – road repair and improvement.
Port of Pascagoula, $480,000 – improvements at South Terminal.
Lowndes County Port, $739,000 – crawler crane replacement.
Port of Greenville, $396,000 – port property and facility renovation.
Port of Amory, $214,286 – raise industrial site elevation.
Port Bienville, $382,500 – port dock rehabilitation.
Port of Itawamba, $316,818 – equipment for bulk material handling.

Four railroads received funding:

Mississippian Railway, $314,820
Rail Authority of East Mississippi, $247,500
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, $350,00
Mississippi Alabama Railroad Authority, $297,000

Twenty-three airports received funding:

Panola County Board of Supervisors, $351,095 – Panola County Airport
Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission, $345,800 – Stennis International Airport
City of Brookhaven, $190,193 – Brookhaven-Lincoln County Airport
City of Cleveland, $25,000 – Cleveland Municipal Airport
City of Columbia and Marion County, $169,062 – Columbia-Marion County Airport
City of Columbus and Lowndes County, $199,712 – Columbus-Lowndes County Airport
Golden Triangle Regional Airport Authority, $199,782 – Golden Triangle Regional Airport
Copiah County Board of Supervisors, $33,725 – Copiah County Airport
Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority, $130,321 – Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport
City of Holly Springs, Marshall County and MCIDA, $312,019 – Holly Springs-Marshall County Airport
Laurel Airport Authority, $125,369 – Hesler-Noble Field
City of Louisville and Winston County, $157,584 – Louisville-Winston County Airport
City of Madison, $56,642 – Bruce Campbell Field
City of Magee, $41,620 – Magee Municipal Airport
Meridian Airport Authority, $68,725 – Key Field
City of New Albany and Union County, $37,900 – New Albany-Union County Airport
City of Okolona, $25,943 – Okolona Municipal Airport
City of Olive Branch, $78,400 – Olive Branch
Hinds Community College, $575,000 – John Bell Williams Airport
City of Starkville, $71,540 – George M. Bryan Field
Tunica County Airport Commission and Tunica County Board of Supervisors, $52,146 – Tunica Airport
Yazoo County Board of Supervisors, $205,317 – Yazoo County Airport
City of Vicksburg, $67,320 – Vicksburg Airport