Some bridges in Oktibbeha County are getting much needed attention

OKTIBBEHA COUNTY, Miss. (WCBI) – The county is one of many across the state who applied for and received emergency bridge repair funds.

Nearly 1,000 applications totaling over a billion dollars were sent in, however, only a quarter of that billion was allocated.

During the special legislative session, counties across Mississippi were given the opportunity to apply for emergency bridge funds, but not all of the requests were granted.

However, Oktibbeha County is one of the counties reaping the benefits.

“There was $250 million allocated for this. There were 691 applications across the state. Over a billion dollars. Oktibbeha County got five of the ten projects that we requested, which is over $2.5 million.”

The special funding targets bridges needing the most work.

“As far as number wise, we weren’t the largest dollar amount, but we were the second largest number of projects that were approved. We’re very excited about that because it did not have to come out from your local dollars. It actually is state dollars that have been allocated for this emergency bridge funding repair.”

Oktibbeha County District 4 Supervisor Bricklee Miller said not all of the selected bridges have been closed yet, but this one on Mt. Olive Road is one of the first to receive attention.

“Now these two bridges are under contract and will be completed within 90 days. Right now, they’re starting on Self Creek Road bridge and then in two weeks, they’ll move to the bridge on Mt. Olive Road and the contract says that they have to have both of the bridges completed within 90 days to get paid.”

Miller said she’s very grateful for the help.

“We are so thankful for all our Legislators. We’re so thankful for our county engineer, that worked diligently on getting the plans together, and we’re so thankful for MDOT, as well.