The Mississippi Economic Council is taking the lead in addressing the state’s growing need for upgrading and improving transportation and infrastructure across the state.

MEC officials have been making stops at towns and cities all over Mississippi since December of last year to gauge community involvement and input in what they are calling a Pacesetter Tour. On Wednesday, Oxford will be one of the final three stops on the tour. The event will be held from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. at The Powerhouse. There is no fee to attend the free luncheon; however, preregistration is required.

The tour focuses on transportation, infrastructure, economic competitiveness and the advantages of a healthy and productive workforce to Mississippi.

Officials are seeking public involvement with feedback on these important topics, as well as other important issues in Mississippi.

An important facet of the tour is MEC’s Excelerate Mississippi, a program designed to support the initiatives outlined by the Blueprint Task Force.

An investment of an additional $375 million annually is needed to address the most vital road and bridge needs in Mississippi at the state and local level, according to a report released in December by the MEC Blueprint Mississippi Transportation Infrastructure Task Force.

Many of the transportation and infrastructure issues outlined in the report are currently being faced by Lafayette County as the fastest-growing county in the state. County officials recently selected a firm to assist in updating a comprehensive plan that includes addressing such transportation and infrastructure needs. City officials also included infrastructure and transportation in their Vision 2037 plan.

Co-host for the event is Oxford-Lafayette County Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development Foundation.

To register for the event, visit www.mec.ms.