Jones College Secures 6th MDOT Grant for Campus Sidewalks and Lighting Improvements

Jones College in Ellisville has been awarded its sixth Transportation Alternative Program (TAP) grant by the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT). Southern District Transportation Commissioner, Charles Busby, delivered the grant to Jones College President, Dr. Jesse Smith, and Michael Bradshaw, Assistant to the President for Facilities Management. The grant will fund the second phase of the Stadium Circle Sidewalk Improvement project, adding 1,100 feet of sidewalk pathways and lighting around the athletic fields.

The project's goal is to improve safety and connectivity on campus. The new lit pathways will extend from the Home and Health Services Building, past The Community Bank Park Baseball and Softball fields, to the Industrial Services Center parking lot. The upgrades will also ensure ADA compliance and improve street crossing safety from the dorms and stadiums.

The second phase of the project will cost $665,821, with $540,000 from federal funds and Jones College covering the remaining 20%. Commissioner Busby commended Jones College for its successful project history and expressed confidence in this project.

Dr. Jesse Smith, Jones College President, thanked the TAP Grant program and Commissioner Busby for their support. He also expressed satisfaction that the college had met the necessary requirements to receive the funds.

The first phase of the Stadium Circle Sidewalk Improvements is set to begin this summer, with the second phase starting in the summer of 2025. Jones College has used TAP grants for other projects, such as the Pedestrian Plaza in 2017 and the Soccer Pathway Project in 2023.

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