The U.S. Department of Transportation announced yesterday that Hinds County will receive $1.425 million to replace pavement on Siwell Road. The road is a key link in the 18-mile corridor connecting the Interstate 20 Norrell Road interchange to the Interstate 55 Byram-Clinton corridor, according to a release.

"Investments like these will not only improve the safety of the Delta Region's highways, they will also strengthen its economy and put people back to work," U.S Secretary of Transportation Ray LaHood stated in the announcement.

The award is part of a $9.4 million award from the Federal Highway Administration's Delta Region Transportation Development Program, which provides up to $10 million annually for highway projects in eight Delta states: Alabama, Arkansas, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri and Tennessee. In addition to the Hinds County award, three Mississippi cities will benefit: Greenwood will also receive $1.425 million; Cleveland, $950,000; and Natchez, $607,623.

The balance of the award will be distributed to a number of Missouri cities and counties.