Harmontown is the only Lafayette County area to be included on the Mississippi Department of Transportation four-year Statewide Transportation Improvement Program document that was released Monday.

STIP is a four-year listing of planned transportation improvement activities and expenditures in Mississippi. This planning tool serves as the framework for the development of the state’s transportation system.

Of the about 500 projects on the STIP, only one is located in Lafayette County, across Sardis Lake in Harmontown, where MDOT will mill and overlay Highway 310, from the Panola County line to the Marshall County line.

The about 9 miles of milling and paving work will cost an estimated $2,800,000 and is scheduled to begin sometime in 2017.

Public participation is active during the development of the STIP when MDOT provides opportunities for comment and feedback on improving Mississippi’s transportation system. The program encourages efficient, safe, cost-effective and environmentally sensitive facilities by embracing statewide, metropolitan and rural initiatives.

The U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration and the Federal Transit Administration approve the program. The plan includes state funded projects of regional significance and all federally funded projects for which MDOT is directly responsible. STIP also includes Local Public Agency projects and projects funded through the Governor’s Office of State Aid Road Construction.

“This year, we held several public meetings across the state to allow members of the public to discuss with MDOT representatives and submit their feedback,” said Jeff Ely, MDOT planning director. “Public participation in the STIP is very important, and we welcome all comments, feedback and suggestions for improving Mississippi’s transportation system.”

The STIP is updated every two years. Management systems and innovative financing are used to the maximum extent possible. Certain types of projects are not included in the STIP, including some safety projects, most emergency relief projects and most planning or research activities.

The STIP is available on GoMDOT.com.