Recently, I have heard conversations about MDOT’s commitment, or lack thereof, to investing in the infrastructure system of Natchez and Adams County.

I get the impression that some might even feel that Adams County was being left out when spending priorities are set.

I want you to know that we understand the importance of Natchez and Adams County to Mississippi and our surrounding states.

During my time on the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I have supported transportation funding and resources to improvements in Adams County in the interest of safety and economic development for southwest Mississippi and the entire state.

Natchez and Adams County are a conduit between Mississippi and neighbors to the west. U.S. 84 is a vital economic passage for goods to and from Texas and Louisiana into the Magnolia State and beyond.

This essential thoroughfare is a prime resource for economic development in Adams County, the region and the entire state. With rich history, beautiful scenery and exciting entertainment options this region is also a destination for tourists.

Since January 2012, MDOT has invested approximately $59.3 million on 24 infrastructure projects in Adams County. Some of these investments include $22.8 million for improvements to various sections of U.S. 61, $34.5 million on maintenance to the U.S. 84 Mississippi River Bridge and $1.6 million went to improvements along State Route 555.

During this same period, $5.9 million in federal funds have been directed to the city of Natchez from MDOT’s LPA Division for eight projects. $3.5 million was used for the extension of Government Fleet Road to L.E. Barry Road. Another $900,000 was spent on the rehabilitation of the Historic Natchez Depot.

A portion of this project was funded through Transportation Enhancement funds. TE funds were also used for a portion of the $129,286 Natchez Historic Trail Bike Path project.

Grants for ports and waterways, aeronautics and public transit have also been awarded to the area. Since 2012, MDOT has awarded approximately $4 million in grants to the Natchez-Adams County Port for the purchase of forklifts, replacement of the port’s south dock crane, among other projects.

During this same time, $840,000 in grants was awarded to the Natchez-Adams County Airport for the construction and renovation of multiple buildings on airport property. 

MDOT has also awarded approximately $307,500 in grants to Natchez Transit for the purchase of ADA-compliant vehicles and corresponding insurance.

When you include money allocated by the Office of State Aid Road Construction and the various multimodal grants, the total investments over the past five and a half years is nearly $75 million. While the money and resources may have been spent in Adams County, the impact is felt across the entire state. Transportation is vital to economic development, and Adams County is key for the economy of Mississippi.

Since 2000, MDOT’s annual funding has remained relatively unchanged even though highway construction costs have increased over 300 percent. The current needs of the state’s deteriorating infrastructure have outpaced the funding to improve it. Due to ongoing funding shortfalls and to ensure the continuing safety of the traveling public, the MTC has directed MDOT to focus on preservation or restoration, rather than additional projects and expansion.

Funding restraints unfortunately mean that MDOT is unable to do more in Adams County, even though there maybe be projects that residents and municipalities would like us to undertake. 

While individual projects may have obstacles and funding challenges, Natchez and Adams County will always be a priority for me, as your elected transportation commissioner, and the Mississippi Transportation Commission. I understand Natchez and Adams County’s importance to the economic livelihood of Mississippi and will continue to encourage investment in the region for the good of us all.

 Thank you and God bless Mississippi.

 

Tom King is the southern transportation district commissioner for the Mississippi Transportation Commission.