By By Ben Alexander/The Meridian Star
June 1, 2001
An important interchange that would connect a new industrial park east of Meridian with Interstate 20-59 has taken the "first step" toward reality, a leading Mississippi Department of Transportation official said Thursday.
Hall said nearly every aspect of the new interchange must be endorsed by federal highway authorities. He cautioned area residents, however, that the project has a long way to go before it is approved and built.
Economic developers say the interchange is a vital link in attracting industries to build plants in the new park, which they hope will eventually attract hundreds of high-paying new jobs.
The interchange would be built at an as yet undesignated location east of the Bonita interchange and west of the Highway 45 exit.
If FHA approves the idea, then local, state and federal officials will appeal to Congress for $1 million later this year to help fund an environmental impact study, preliminary design work and some right-of-way acquisition.
Hall said the project has taken and will take cooperation and a lot of time.
Ben Alexander is a staff writer for The Meridian Star. Call him at 693-1551, ext. 3226, or e-mail him at balexander@themeridianstar.com.