WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, R-Miss., released the following statement after the Department of Transportation awarded Mississippi a total of $51,160,000 in three grants. These funds will support infrastructure investments such as roadway improvements, safety improvement measures, lane widening, and increased truck parking.

“Roadways are the building blocks of a strong economy. These grants will help Mississippians do business, welcome tourists, and visit loved ones. I stand ready to help local leaders put these funds to work right away,” said Senator Wicker.

“On behalf of MDOT and the Mississippi Transportation Commission, I am pleased to be amongst several recipients for the USDOT Build grants. I want to thank Senator Wicker for his steadfast advocacy for transportation in Mississippi. These BUILD grants will allow us to advance critical projects on both the state and local systems, continuing the progress Senator Wicker has championed for our state’s infrastructure over many years,” said MDOT Executive Director Brad White. “We’re grateful he shares MDOT’s vision of building and maintaining better roads for the people of Mississippi.”

The Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Program provides competitive discretionary grants to support investments in nationally and regionally significant surface transportation projects, including highways, bridges, ports, rail, transit, and multimodal freight infrastructure. Unlike formula programs, BUILD grants are awarded competitively by the U.S. Department of Transportation. Senator Wicker has been a strong advocate for the program, and, as the lead Republican on the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee during consideration of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, he helped secure significant additional authorized funding for BUILD grants.

Mississippi was awarded the following grants: 

1. Mississippi Department of Transportation - $22,100,000
• This project will construct truck parking and technology improvements along the I-10 Corridor at the Hancock County Welcome Center. The project will increase the number of truck parking spaces from 20 to 74. It also includes technology upgrades to the existing welcome center lot.

2. City of Brandon - $24,060,000
• This project will construct roadway, pedestrian, and intersection improvements along U.S. Highway 80. It also includes modifications to two intersections located at College Street and Overby Street/SR 471.

3. City of D’Iberville - $5,000,000
• This project will widen Mallett Road from Lamey Bridge Road to Daisy Vestry Road and construct intersection improvements. Specifically, the roadway will expand from three to four 11-foot-wide traffic lanes. It will also include other safety upgrades.