Officials noted state lottery funds will enable the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to execute maintenance projects and repave over 250 miles of highway statewide.
MDOT received $80 million in lottery funds while the Mississippi Transportation Commission prioritized pavement restoration, with a particular focus on aged infrastructure upgrades. Additionally, officials noted pavement rehabilitation projects were needed in rural communities to provide safer and smoother travel conditions.
“We don’t gamble on safety,” Commissioner Tom King, chair of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, said. “MDOT wasted no time putting these funds to use and awarded numerous projects throughout the state, many are already underway. MDOT is very appreciative of the legislature for designating a portion of the lottery proceeds to Mississippi’s maintenance needs.”
Central Transportation District Commissioner Willie Simmons said adequate funding is the winning ticket for a safe and efficient transportation infrastructure.
“These paving projects make our highways safer and make Mississippi a better place to live and work,” he said. “I want to thank Gov. Tate Reeves, Speaker Philip Gunn, former Gov. Phil Bryant, and our legislators during the 2018 special, extraordinary session for committing $80 million in lottery proceeds that will go a long way in maintaining the state’s infrastructure.”
Northern Transportation District Commissioner John Caldwell said paving projects help ensure the people and businesses of Mississippi have an efficient and reliable infrastructure for travel and transport of goods and services.