Winston to receive funds for bridges

Congressman Travis Childers (D-MS) announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will deliver $4.8 million in funding for a project to restore 18 deficient bridges in Mississippi National Forests.

The project is part of the USDA's investment in 31 states for roads maintenance and decommissioning and associated watershed restoration on Forest Service land.

"This significant Recovery Act funding will help ensure public health and safety, protect resources, and improve access to lands in Mississippi's National Forests," said Congressman Childers. "The project will also help to create and save much-needed jobs throughout the state, continuing to help move our economy along on the road to recovery."

Choctaw and Winston are among the Mississippi Counties that will benefit from this project.

The 18 bridges identified for this project are located on the National Forests in Mississippi and are currently in use but are aging and in need of maintenance and reconstruction to improve function and maintain safety for the future. These bridges are part of the general transportation system and are used by recreation visitors, nearby residents, school buses, fire trucks, and daily commuters, as well as by the Forest Service for general administration and firefighting. Some of these bridges are weight-limited due to age and construction and require re-routing of fire trucks and equipment needed to respond to wildfires.

This project is expected to involve multiple design/build contracts with engineering contractors and bridge construction companies plus local purchase of pre-cast components and supplies. Completion of these improvements will significantly lower future maintenance costs and provide a safer, more useful transportation system in the years to come.