MTC Announces $30M in Transportation Grants

Courtesy of MDOT

JACKSON, Miss. – The MTC announced $30 million in grants will be awarded to intermodal transportation projects across the state of Mississippi.

The Mississippi Transportation Commission (MTC) approved the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) to award $30 million in grants for intermodal transportation projects throughout Mississippi.

Established in the 2023 Regular Legislative Session, the Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund increases “capacity for the movement of freight and [increases] economic activity while supporting long-term economic growth” in the state. The appropriation includes $30 million in state funds. On December 18, 2023, the MDOT initiated a call for projects with applications due by January 31^st of this year. MDOT reports it received 51 grant applications totaling $86 million from 43 agencies.

Five railroads received funding, which include:

1. Rosedale-Bolivar County Port, Bolivar and Washington Counties; $2.6 million –Great River Railroad restoration, Phase 1.
2. Grenada Railroad LLC, Holmes County; $1.2 million – Grenada railroad freight growth project.
3. Itawamba Mississippian Railway, Monroe County; $2.2 million – IMR siding track.
4. Ripley & New Albany Railroad Co., Union County; $1.1 million – RNA infrastructure and capacity improvement project.
5. Mississippi Southern Railroad (WATCO), Winston County; $420,107 – South Louisville Track Improvement Program.

The six ports that are receiving funding are listed below:

• Rosedale-Bolivar County Port, Bolivar County; $2.1 million – Multi-Modal expansion project Phase 1.
• Mississippi State Port Authority, Harrison County; $2.6 million – Gulfport intermodal expansion and enhancement project.
• Lowndes County Port, Lowndes County; $1.5 million – East bank rail.
• Port of Aberdeen, Monroe County; $704,700 – Port dredging.
• Yellow Creek Port, Tishomingo County; $2.5 million – Barge berth expansion.
• Port of Greenville, Washington County; $2.2 million – E-Crane purchase.

Chairman of the Mississippi Transportation Commission, Commissioner Willie Simmons said, “The Transportation Commission is supportive of all modes of our transportation system. . . We appreciate the Legislature providing these funds which will be essential in enhancing our airports, ports and rail system, to secure them economically for years to come.”

MDOT Executive Director Brad White said, “Our airports, ports, and railways are the backbone of Mississippi’s economic future. . . I am optimistic this funding will allow for strategic infrastructure improvements that foster economic development.”