Yokohama Boulevard Now Open

WEST POINT, Miss. – Yokohama Boulevard, the 4 mile road that travels west to east from Highway 45 Alternate to Barton Ferry Road, is now officially open for travel. Governor Phil Bryant, state and local officials will gather today for a ribbon cutting at 11.am., on the summit of the second overpass on the road.

The estimated $20 million road is part of the $300 million first phase of the Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi development. With the first phase brining approximately 500 jobs, the total project would bring $1.2 billion in capital investment and 2,000 jobs if completed through Phase 4.

“The opening of Yokohama Boulevard marks an important milestone as the Yokohama project continues to take shape and prepares to begin operations later this year. This road brings us one step closer to completion of the project’s first phase and the addition of 500 new jobs in Clay County,” Governor Phil Bryant said. “The Yokohama team has proven to be a great asset to the Mississippi business community, and I look forward to celebrating many more milestones in the near future.”

“We are excited about the progress Yokohama has made and the positive impact the company has had on the Golden Triangle region since announcing plans to locate in West Point in 2013. Today’s opening of Yokohama Boulevard is a testament to the commitment the company has made to the residents of Clay County and the state of Mississippi,” said Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Brent Christensen. “We are proud to have provided assistance in support of this project and look forward to the official opening of Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi later this year.”

The road was engineered to accommodate service to Yokohama Tire Manufacturing Mississippi, but also serves potential Yokohama suppliers or stand-alone developments. The road serves both public and private land.

“One of the first things that we identified as a need for this site was an alternative route of access,” said Joe Max Higgins, Jr., CEO of the Golden Triangle Development LINK. “Without the promise to build this road, I’m not sure how valuable the Prairiebelt Powersite would have been.”

Construction of the YTMM plant is still underway and on schedule to begin production in 2015.