We must address Mississippi's transportation needs

The common-sense approach of the Mississippi Economic Council's "Excelerate Mississippi" initiative provides new funding to maintain and protect our investment in our state's system of roads and bridges, directly and indirectly creating 4,000 jobs in the construction industry.

Supporting "Excelerate Mississippi" will lead to safer roads, stronger bridges and more jobs -- a win for all.

Almost 1,000 of our state bridges are significantly deficient, and 90 percent of our state roads are in notable need of repair.

The last time funding was increased for road and bridge maintenance in Mississippi was when the Advocating Highways for Economic Advancement and Development (A.H.E.A.D.) program passed in 1987. Since then, costs have increased dramatically, but funding for transportation has remained virtually level.

Before we can't afford to catch up, we must address Mississippi's transportation needs now.

MARTIN GOLDIN

Gulfport

This story was originally published March 5, 2016 at 6:57 PM with the headline "We must address Mississippi's transportation needs ."