Hood investigates road project near Reeves’ subdivision

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) – The Mississippi attorney general is investigating a $2 million road that was planned to connect a suburban Jackson shopping center to a gated neighborhood where the lieutenant governor lives.

The investigation creates a potential clash between Democratic Attorney General Jim Hood and Republican Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves. Both men are expected to run for governor in 2019.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation put the project on hold after the Clarion Ledger reported last week that the road had been planned. The department’s director, Melinda McGrath, said there had been “political pressure” from “the Senate side.” Reeves presides over the Senate.

Hood sent letters to the department and lawmakers Wednesday requesting letters or other documents about the road.

Reeves denies pressuring the department, and says Hood is playing “political games.”

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