JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) - In 2017, federal inspectors for the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) discovered severe problems on some Mississippi roads and bridges.

The governor during that time, Phil Bryant, declared USDOT's findings an emergency, and the Mississippi Legislature went into a special session. During the session, the Emergency Road and Bridge Relief Fund was formed.

The Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) will reward the next round of emergency road and bridge repair funds in October 2024.

“About $570 million has been invested in that fund over the last several years. And with that money, we have set out to administer programs around the state to help local governments repair or either replace bridges," explained Brad White, executive director of MDOT.

Mississippi lawmakers approved $30 million during the 2024 Legislation Session, which will go toward projects that have yet to be selected.

Since 2018, the emergency funds have repaired or replaced 350 bridges and some roadways across the state.

“It's all legal ground for all the counties and cities that want to apply and try to seek funds for the needs that they have in their county," said White.