Neshoba County Wants More Money For Bypass

PHILADELPHIA, Miss. (AP) – Neshoba County supervisors are seeking $2.65 million from the Mississippi Development Authority for more right of way acquisition for a bypass south of Philadelphia.

Last year, the Legislature approved $2.65 million for the proposed bypass that would connect Mississippi Highway 19 in south Philadelphia with Highways 15, 16 and 21.

According to local media reports, The state already owns much of the right of way, but there are some tracts that still must be purchased.

The four-lane connector road was announced last summer as officials from Weyerhaeuser said they will spend $57 million to modernize its Philadelphia softwood lumber mill.

The project will cost an estimated $80 million to $100 million.

The roadway, discussed for about 30 years, will run just south of town near the Weyerhaeuser mill.