For Immediate Release

 

MDOT/FHWA to Host Public Meetings on Proposed I-69 Corridor

JACKSON, MISS., Thursday, September 13, 2001—Four identical public meetings to discuss the proposed Interstate Highway 69 (I-69) project are scheduled to be held in various locations within the Delta the week of Sept. 24, according to Larry L. "Butch" Brown, executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT).

These meetings concerning the section of I-69 that begins near Robinsonville in Tunica County and ends east of Benoit in Bolivar County will be held between 5:30 and 7:30 p.m. Potential corridor alternatives will be presented in an informal, come and go format for public review and comments.

Displays will be available showing several one-mile-wide proposed corridor alternatives. The public is encouraged to ask questions and to discuss the proposed project face to face with officials from MDOT and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

According to Claiborne Barnwell, MDOT environmental engineer, all four meetings are identical and are being held in different towns to make it convenient for as many people as possible to attend.

The meetings are scheduled for the following locations:

• Monday, Sept. 24, Ray Brooks School gymnasium, 1827 Highway 1 South, Benoit;
• Tuesday, Sept. 25, Delta State University, State Room, First Floor of the H. L. Nowell Union Building, Highway 8 West, Cleveland;
• Wednesday, Sept. 26, Coahoma County Exposition Center, 1150 Hickory (Wildcat Drive) Street, Clarksdale (across the street from Clarksdale High School); and
• Thursday, Sept. 27, Tunica Economic Complex, 3092 Highway 61 South, Tunica.

"This proposed highway can be one of the greatest assets to the Mississippi Delta, but in order to build the very best possible roadway, MDOT, in partnership with the Federal Highway Administration, is seeking the involvement of local citizens," Barnwell said. "Residents will have the opportunity to view the project study area and make their desires and concerns known."

The I-69 corridor is a 1,600-mile-long continuous national highway that will start at the Michigan/Canada border and end at the Texas/Mexico border. The corridor will provide an interstate highway that will improve international and interstate movement of freight and people through nine states. These states are Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

Anyone needing auxiliary aids or special accommodations should advise MDOT of the specific needs by calling the Public Affairs Division at (601) 359-7017.

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