News

Leader of road study group proposes $700M in taxes

The leader of a Senate transportation study committee proposes the state should levy $700 million in new taxes to support road maintenance as well as some other non-transportation related projects.

Sen. Willie Simmons, D-Cleveland, said the proposal, which would be the largest state tax increase in more than 20 years, is only a starting point for discussion, and invited alternate proposals.

But some members of his committee quickly indicated they aren’t interested in that much spending, and may oppose any new taxes, especially the $150 million a year that Simmons proposed for university, community college, state agency and local water and sewer construction. Simmons admitted those extra items were “stretching it.” […]

News

Senate confirms McGrath as MDOT executive director

The Mississippi Senate has approved the appointment of Melinda McGrath, P.E. to remain executive director of the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). The Senate approved McGrath’s appointment began April 1 and will end April 1, 2017, unless it is further extended.  
 
Senate Transportation Commission Chairman Willie Simmons said, “I recommend her. She has done a good job.”  […]