Mississippi Transportation Commission to issue grants to several ports

The Mississippi Transportation Commission (MTC) recently announced that it has approved awarding a series of grants to various ports within the state.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will finance the grants, which are specifically dedicated to improving projects and maintenance projects.

Several ports have received funds, including Lowndes County Port in Columbus. Lowndes was awarded $504,296 to expand and renovate the existing rail spur located near the East Bank.

Other counties that received funding include Natchez-Adams County Port ($552,000), Port of Greenville ($396,331), Port Bienville ($511,335), Port of Rosedale ($273,206), Port of Pascagoula ($950,000) and Yellow Creek Port Authority ($612,832).

“Mississippi’s ports and waterways system helps move local goods and services to the rest of the country, and even internationally,” a joint statement from Dick Hall, Tom King and Mike Tagert, all of whom are transportation commissioners for the MTC, said. “Regardless of the goods that come across the docks of our ports, these grants will help make needed improvements that will continue to support local economic growth and development.”

The main responsibilities of MDOT are improving and maintaining Mississippi’s interstates and highways and offering airport’s a safe intermodal transportation network, railroads and public transit systems, and ports and waterways.