The Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO) at the Central Mississippi Planning and Development District (CMPDD) has approved nearly $7 million in federal Transportation Alternatives grant funding to support six locally sponsored projects that will expand bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure across the region.
The awarded projects will improve safety, accessibility, and connectivity for residents who walk, bike, or use mobility devices, advancing the region’s long-term vision for a more balanced multimodal transportation system. Combined with more than $2.1 million in local matching funds, these investments represent a total of over $9 million dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout the metro area.
“This funding directly supports projects that make our communities safer and more livable,” said Mike Monk, Chief Executive Officer of CMPDD. “By connecting neighborhoods, schools, parks, and businesses, these investments encourage healthier lifestyles, reduce traffic congestion, and make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to move around their communities.”
The CMPDD received 13 applications requesting more than $14.5 million in federal funds. After a competitive evaluation process, the MPO selected the six highest-ranked projects based on evaluation criteria that included factors such as the local financial commitment, project readiness, and the ability to improve connectivity to schools, transit stops, and community destinations.
Projects awarded Transportation Alternatives Grant Funding through the CMPDD MPO:
| Jurisdiction | Project Description | Federal MPO Funding | Local Match Funds |
| Brandon | Grants Ferry Parkway Share Use Path Phase 2 from Cornerstone Dr. to Trickhambridge Rd. | $966,000 | $414,000 |
| Brandon | Brandon City Park to City Hall Shared Use Path from the library pedestrian bridge east to City Hall | $1,350,468 | $337,617 |
| Brandon | Shiloh Park Shared Use Path from the north Shiloh Park parking lot to the Kennedy Farms Parkway Shared Use Path | $1,388,625 | $462,875 |
| Flowood | Liberty Road to Manship Road Shared Use Path overlay of the existing path that begins at Liberty Park on Liberty Road and continues along portions of Flowood Drive, Old Fannin Road, Wirtz Road and Manship Road | $1,007,400 | $251,850 |
| Pearl | Riverwind Drive Sidewalk Phase 2 from the Trustmark Park parking lot along Bass Pro Drive to Riverwind Drive at Home 2 Suites | $165,000 | $165,000 |
| Ridgeland | E. Lake Harbour Drive Shared Use Path from E. Lake Harbour Drive at Old Canton Road to the bicycle path on Spillway Road near Breakers Lane | $1,973,552 | $493,388 |
For more information about the CMPDD’s transportation planning process or the Transportation Alternatives program visit our website at www.cmpdd.org.
