MS HB510

Amends Section 65-3-97 of the Mississippi Code to add all unscheduled segments of U.S. Highway 61 (from the Mississippi/Louisiana state line to the Mississippi/Tennessee state line) to the four-lane highway system as high priority construction projects.

Designates these U.S. 61 segments as part of subsection (4) of the statute, making them eligible for contract letting after completion of higher-priority segments in subsection (3), but with priority over other segments with the same level of service.

Requires the Mississippi Department of Transportation to construct these segments as four-lane highways with not less than two lanes for traffic in each direction, using existing highways where feasible or constructing new facilities.

Maintains existing construction standards and procedures, including the requirement that highway segments be at least 10 miles in length and that at least 10% of construction funds be expended with small business concerns owned by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals.

Becomes effective July 1, 2010.