WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Senators Thad Cochran (R-Miss.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) today reported that Mississippi has successfully competed for more than $5.0 million in federal grant funding to support a variety of transportation-related improvements around the state.

Eight separate grants for work in Mississippi have been approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, which awarded the funds through 12 grant programs authorized through the Surface Transportation Extension Act of 2012.  The grants range in scope from $1.44 million to support reconstruction of the I-55/State Route 6 interchange to $59,360 to improve signage on the Natchez Trace.

“Public safety will be enhanced through these grants, which support an assortment of infrastructure projects in our state.  This funding will help the state make progress in improving transportation safety and efficiency in Mississippi,” Cochran said.

“Good transportation routes are essential for promoting commerce and economic opportunities across Mississippi,” said Wicker.  “These grants demonstrate that our state can make a strong case when competing nationally.”

The Mississippi grants were selected from almost 1,500 applications submitted to the Federal Highway Administration by states, cities, tribes and local planning organizations.  The following is a summary of the grant awards:

I-55/State Route 6 Interchange, Batesville:  $1,443,808 through the Delta Region Transportation Development Program to support reconstruction of the interchange by improving on- and off-ramps and installing lighting and traffic signalization.

Byram-Clinton Corridor, Hinds County:  $1,250,000 through the Delta Region Transportation Development Program to support the construction of a four-lane, limited-access road from I-20 to Sam Herring Road.

Mill Street Bridge, Jackson:  $1,000,000 through the Transportation, Community and System Preservation Program to support repairs and pedestrian and motorist safety improvements to the Mill Street Bridge on Woodrow Wilson Avenue.

Noxubee County/Winston County Bridges:  $700,000 through the Public Lands Highway Discretionary Program to support the widening of bridges providing access to the Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge.

Natchez Trace Parkway/American Indian Sites:  $268,000 through the National Scenic Byways Program to support the installation of new and replacement wayside signs related to American Indian sites, including the Emerald, Mangum, Bynum, Pharr Mounds and five additional locations.

Kings Point Ferry, Warren County:  $160,000 through the Ferry Boat Discretionary Program to support the replacement of existing boat motors and other maintenance and efficiency upgrades.

Natchez Trace Parkway/Pharr Mounds Site:  $132,000 through the National Scenic Byways Program to support the construction of an accessible rest area for the Pharr Mounds Interpretive Site, replacing an outdated facility that does not meet current accessibility standards.

Great River Road/Natchez Trace Parkway:  $59,360 through the National Scenic Byways Program to support the design, construction and installation of signs in specific locations in three states along the Great River Road and Natchez Trace Parkway.

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