The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) in coordination with the Metropolitan Planning Organizations will host an open house for public discussion in Batesville this Thursday (Aug. 2) at the District 2 office.

MDOT is  hosting similar open house meetings for review and comment on the Draft Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP). The five-year plan (1999-2022) that will be available for review and discussion is a list of planned transportation improvements currently on MDOT’s agenda.

Other meetings were held in Hattiesburg and Jackson last week and one more is scheduled for Ocean Springs next week.

The Batesville meeting will be from 4 to 6 p.m. and will held at the district office. Several elected officials in Panola County, along with business representatives and concerned citizens are expected to attend the open house. Traffic congestion and safety concerns

During the come-and-go type meetings, individuals will be able to review the draft document at their leisure and then speak directly with an MDOT representative to leave a verbal or written comment. Comments, thoughts and suggestions concerning specific transportation needs will be recorded and evaluated as part of the state planning process. No formal presentations will be made.

The STIP is also available for review and comment on the internet at www.gomdot.com. Free access to the internet is available at all public libraries. The STIP is also available at the MDOT District 2 office at 150 Hwy. 51N in Batesville.

For additional help in locating a copy of the draft, readers may contact MDOT by calling (601) 359-7685.