$6.7 Million Federal Grant Announced for MLK Corridor

A section of MLK, Jr. Drive planned for reconstruction.  JTV file photo.

(June 28, 2023 7:34 AM ET) U.S. Senators Gary Peters and Debbie Stabenow today announced the U.S. Department of Transportation will be awarding the City of Jackson $6,785,245 in federal funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) Grant program.  The funding will help reconstruct Martin Luther King Jr. Drive from South Street to Morrell Street and will add pedestrian safety measures, a ten-foot shared use path, street lights, stormwater infrastructure, turning lanes, parking spots, tree planting, and other street improvements.

“Investments in infrastructure are investments in our communities, our economy, and our safety,” said Senator Peters. “I’m proud to have helped enact the bipartisan infrastructure law that made this funding available for these needed improvements along MLK Drive in Jackson.”

“Reconstructing MLK Drive is an important part of revitalizing the MLK Corridor. This investment will help redevelop these important commercial corridors, create jobs, and improve the community for residents and visitors,” said Senator Stabenow.

“In 2018, as the President of the Jackson County Branch NAACP, I had the privilege of working alongside Mayor Derek Dobies to accomplish the renaming of Francis Street to MLK Drive. This change, after 49 years of effort, symbolized the beginning of a transformative journey, promising significant changes and intentional investments in revitalizing Jackson’s Southside,” said Jackson Mayor Daniel Mahoney. “Today, standing before you as a lifelong citizen of Jackson’s Southside and the city’s first Black Mayor, I am truly honored to receive the Raise Grant. This grant will enable the City of Jackson to continue fulfilling that promise of positive change. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to Senator Gary Peters, Senator Debbie Stabenow and all others who have played a role in building a better Jackson.”