Appropriation; Transportation, Department of.

Added $1.4 billion total appropriation for fiscal year 2026, broken down into $62.8 million for administration, $986 million for construction, $265 million for maintenance, $78.9 million for debt service, and $36.2 million for aeronautics and rails.

Added new special fund appropriations including $250 million from 2022 Capacity Project Fund, $60 million from 2022 Emergency Road and Bridge Fund, $15 million from Strategic Multi-Modal Investments Fund, and $100 million from Lafayette County Infrastructure Improvement Funds.

Added $650,000 transfer to Department of Agriculture and Commerce for beaver control program and $450,000 for statewide litter prevention program.

Added performance measures requiring MDOT to meet specific targets for road maintenance, bridge conditions, pavement ratings, and website utilization, with reporting to the Joint Legislative Budget Committee.

Added requirement that MDOT notify legislators when awarding projects in their districts and include legislative funding acknowledgment on project signage.

Added authorization for MDOT to accept grants and donations up to $125 million for operational costs.

Modified project planning requirements to include cost estimation, retention of initial estimates, change approval processes, and capture of consultant costs.

Added restriction that construction contracts under 10 miles require official minutes explanation and notification to legislative transportation committee chairs.

Added preference for Mississippi Industries for the Blind when purchasing commodities or equipment with equal bids.

Added authorization to transfer obsolete cell phones to recycling programs for military personnel.