Metropolitan planning organizations get funding

SOUTH MISSISSIPPI — More than $15 million in federal funding will be made available to local officials for use by the metropolitan planning organizations (MPOs) throughout the state, according to the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

The money is made available through the federal Surface Transportation Program (STP) for federal fiscal year 2011. The surface transportation program provides funding that may be used for federal-aid eligible routes, bridges or transit projects.

Following approval by the Mississippi Transportation Commission, funds will be made available to the state’s MPOs based on population and project need. Mississippi has four MPO areas responsible for prioritizing and overseeing local transportation improvements in their geographical area. The Gulf Regional Planning Commission will receive $5,599,498, and Hattiesburg MPO, which includes Petal and Forrest and Lamar counties, will receive $919,049.

Source: MDOT