Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of this meeting?
Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) are conducting an Open Forum Public Meeting to present the Preferred Alternative and the Preliminary Environmental Assessment (EA) for the proposed US 72 Improvements project. We are meeting to encourage public participation in this project. Please view exhibits, ask question and offer comments to assist MDOT in developing the best project for this community.
What is an EA?
The EA promotes informed decision making in the development of a transportation solution(s) by explaining the purpose and need of the proposed action, evaluating social, economic, and environmental impacts, soliciting feedback from the public and decision-makers, and determining whether further analysis is necessary or if the impacts are minimal enough to warrant a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI).
Why is this project needed?
There is not any current access provided to the planned electric-vehicle batter plant location. This project will provide safe and efficient access to the Chickasaw Industrial Park, and specifically the planned battery plant, from both US 72 and SR 302 in Marshall County.
What will the design look like?
The Preferred Alternative is a standard diamond interchange with US 72 eastbound and westbound entrance and exit diamond ramps. The interchange would also consist of a US 72 eastbound exit loop ramp for US 72 eastbound to North Red Banks Road northbound traffic. The westbound entrance ramp would be two lanes from the intersection of North Red Banks Road to just before the ramp with US 72. North Red Banks Road would be realigned beginning north of the existing North Red Banks Road and SR 302 intersection and tie into a proposed access road that would be constructed by Marshall County in a separate project. The intersection north of US 72 and the intersection of North Red Banks Road and SR 302 (Goodman Road) will be developed as roundabouts.
Who do I contact if I have questions regarding the right-of-way process?
District Coordinator for D2
Teresa Scott
tscott@mdot.ms.gov
662-418-2333
How will this project be funded?
The State of Mississippi has committed approximately $150 million to provide infrastructure to support the battery plant facility development and operations.
When will construction begin and when will it be finished?
Highway improvements are expected to begin in early 2026 and be completed within 2 years. Site work for the plant, along with placement of utilities and construction access to the site, has already begun by others.
When does the comment period on the material presented in this hearing end?
February 7, 2025, for the official record, but comments are welcome anytime during the Study process.
Will there be another public meeting?
There are no other meetings planned for the US 72 Improvements project at this time.
Are the meeting materials available on-line?
Yes, US72Interchange.TransportationPlanroom.com has all the meeting materials. You can access them on our Hearing Materials page.
