MISSISSIPPI HAS DEVELOPED A ROBUST TRANSPORTATION SYSTEM TO SUPPORT THE STATE’S ECONOMIC GROWTH. However, as infrastructure needs continue to outweigh federal and state funding, MDOT has shifted its focus and financial resources toward system preservation.

MELINDA MCGRATH, P.E.

Executive Director

Mississippi Department of Transportation

/// Accomplishments

■ Construction on I-269 in North Mississippi continues with an expected completion date in fall 2018. I-269 will begin at the I-55/I-69 corridor in Desoto County and continue northeast to the Tennessee state line in Marshall County. I-269 will promote economic growth in the region by connecting local communities in several states and will have far-reaching international implications connecting Canada and Mexico through the I-69 system.

■ From March through Labor Day 2015, the Ohr-O’Keefe Museum of Art is hosting a six-month examination of the catastrophic destruction, immediate relief, sustained recovery, shared experience and progress on the 10th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina devastating South Mississippi. MDOT played a vital role in rebuilding the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Hurricane Katrina unleashed more than $1 billion in damage to Mississippi’s transportation infrastructure. MDOT’s efforts in reconnecting communities along the Gulf Coast are featured as part of the exhibit.

■ MDOT’s commitment to developing and maintaining a responsive multimodal transportation system remains strong. The importance of maximizing utilization of other modes of transportation is vital to increased traffic flow and travel safety through a reduction in the number of large loads of goods and services traveling on the state’s highways and interstates. This commitment is demonstrated through annual contributions of no less than $10 million in support of the Multimodal Transportation Improvement Program. This program helps sustain efficient and effective intermodal networks through strategic modal investments. In 2014, MDOT invested $3.5 million in airport improvement projects, obligated $3.8 million for improvements to the state’s 16 public ports, allocated $1.2 million to railroad projects and awarded $1.6 million for the urban and rural public transit systems. This program remains a valuable resource for leveraging strategic investments.

/// new Initiatives

■ During the 2015 Legislative Session, the Mississippi Legislature approved House Bill 1630, also known as the “Gaming Bill.” This bill authorizes the use of state revenue bonds to provide $200 million in funds for the repair, rehabilitation, replacement, construction and reconstruction of bridges that are on MDOT’s structurally deficient bridge list, and other transportation-related projects. This bill creates a special bond sinking fund, consisting of a portion of the state’s gaming revenue, to pay the debt service on bonds issued through this act.

/// Looking Ahead

■ A recent impact study conducted by MDOT showed that Mississippi’s approximately 80 airports generate $2.5 billion annually. MDOT recognizes that even with the decline of commercial flights to local airports, they remain vital to the economy of a rural state such as Mississippi. MDOT works with these airports to maintain this vital economic avenue for the state’s number one industry, agriculture.

■ MDOT has conducted focus groups with frontline workers in an effort to present the importance of safety to both internal and external audiences. Data collected is being used to produce new safety orientation videos for maintenance workers with a primary focus on the dangers of working in and around highway work zones. Two other components of this safety initiative include work zone safety awareness messaging for the public and digital/social media content developed specifically for the “Towards Zero Deaths” campaign in Mississippi.