City of Laurel Awarded $24.8M Grant from U.S. Department of Transportation for Major Infrastructure Improvements

 JULY 10, 2023

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

LAUREL, MS, June 28, 2023 – The City of Laurel has been awarded a landmark $24.8 million grant through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability & Equity (RAISE) program of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). The City of Laurel applied for and received 100% funding which means that no local tax dollars will be required to match this federal grant.  This award marks the largest federal grant ever given to a local municipality since the inception of this discretionary grant program.

This grant will fund crucial improvements to the City’s road network, replacing outdated streets with modern, safe, and aesthetically pleasing infrastructure. Laurel is among the select 15% of grant applications nationally to be awarded.

This funding also underscores the commitment of both the City of Laurel and the federal government to rejuvenate the heart of the city and improve the quality of life for residents. The project will cover vital arteries such as 5th Street, Sawmill Road, Magnolia Street, and Teresa Street.  The project will include road reconstruction, a new roundabout, improved lighting, landscaping, new ADA-compliant sidewalks, enhanced lane markings and improved drainage at the Teresa Street underpass.

"We are deeply thankful to the U.S. Department of Transportation for recognizing the potential in Laurel. These funds are not just an investment in infrastructure; they're an investment in the people of Laurel and our future. By revitalizing our roads, we're creating a safer, more beautiful city, and laying the groundwork for a brighter tomorrow," Mayor Johnny Magee said. “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative project, and eagerly anticipate the positive changes it will bring to our city.”

The RAISE grant program is a highly competitive DOT discretionary program. This year, the DOT received $15 billion in requests for only $2.26 billion in available funds.

The City of Laurel thanks the Mississippi federal delegation for their support throughout the application process including Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, Senator Roger Wicker, U.S. Representative Mike Ezell, and U.S. Representative Michael Guest, whose efforts have been pivotal in securing this historic grant.

For more information, please call the Office of the Mayor at 601-428-6401.

Contact:

Mayor Johnny Magee

mayor@laurelms.com

601-428-6401