Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert
The city of Starkville was recently informed it would be on the received end of almost $600,000 in federals funds after Mississippi Transportation Commission recently announced $13 million in federal Transportation Alternatives (TA) projects.
MDOT said in a press release TA funds are federal transportation dollars that are for non-roadway types of improvements such as sidewalks, multiuse paths, pedestrian lighting and traffic calming. The funds flow through the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) Local Public Agency (LPA).
The $588,000 awarded to the city of Starkville will be put toward the Spring Street multiuse path. The city of Columbus also received $717,400 for downtown pedestrian improvements, including a roundabout at Main and Second streets, while the city of Louisville was awarded $265,500 for sidewalk, bus parking and traffic improvements along Columbus Avenue.
Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill has been outspoken about the need for increased connectivity in the city and how it relates to the MSU campus, which will be promoted that much more through the new project.
“I’m really pleased to have the opportunity to continue a project that benefits not only the city, but the county and MSU as well,” Starkville Mayor Lynn Spruill said of the funding. “This is a quality of life project that matters in our efforts to attract and keep people in our community.”
In December, MDOT allocated more than $13 million in TA funds for projects statewide.
MDOT also said LPA programs leverage local investments with federal funds for infrastructure improvements.
Northern District Transportation Commissioner Mike Tagert said the projects on the list will help local communities improve lighting, pedestrian access and other transportation infrastructure.
“Safety is always MDOT’s top priority,” Tagert said.
While MDOT provides project guidance and oversight, the agency does not receive any portion of the funding.
“The programs allow congressional money to flow to city and county governments,” Tagert said. “Thank you to Mississippi’s senators and congressional delegation for their continued support by funding transportation infrastructure.”