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Senators press MDOT on winter preparedness funding compared with neighboring states
Summary
Senator McLean asked whether Mississippi's winter-operations funding compares with Tennessee and other states; Director White said some states dedicate far more to winter operations and that MDOT's overall operating budget is about $1.5 billion.
Senator McLean asked Director White for a brief overview of how Mississippi's winter preparedness funding compares with neighboring states. White said it is difficult to compare directly because of geography and differing needs, but noted that some states dedicate far more to winter operations: “For instance, the Tennessee... budget for winter storms is over $30,000,000,” he said, and added that MDOT's annual operating budget to operate is about $1,500,000,000.
White said Mississippi typically cannot stockpile large quantities of winter materials because such events are rare for much of the state and that the Smoky Mountains and other regions experience winter weather more often, making local stockpiles more practical there. He recommended properly funded multiagency readiness (MDOT, National Guard, Department of Public Safety) for future large events.
