Mississippi(MS)

Mississippi is adopting a "Modernization-First" strategy, integrating AAM into its broader infrastructure and freight goals. As of January 2026, the Mississippi Department of Transportation (MDOT) is operationalizing its Five-Year State Strategic Plan (FY 2026–2030), which emphasizes the preservation and modernization of the state's transportation system to enhance economic stability.

Infrastructure and Regulatory Framework

Mississippi’s strategy is characterized by its focus on intermodal connectivity and the utilization of federal infrastructure funding.

• Modernization Goals: The 2026-2030 Strategic Plan specifically lists the modernization of the state’s transportation system and the fostering of "effective transportation partnerships" as core objectives. This includes ensuring that Mississippi’s airports are adequate to meet the future needs of the business community.
• Statewide Freight Plan Update: MDOT is currently updating its Statewide Freight Plan, scheduled for completion in Fall 2026. This update is expected to incorporate low-altitude cargo delivery and AAM logistics as a means to improve reliability and reduce congestion on primary freight corridors.
• Federal Alignment: Mississippi is leveraging the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL) through 2026 to address the backlog of airport and bridge maintenance, creating the physical stability required for future vertiport integration.

Pilot Programs and Manufacturer Support

The state is marketing its low-cost operating environment and existing aerospace infrastructure to attract AAM startups.

• Economic Development Focus: Through the Mississippi Development Authority, the state is targeting AAM as a growth sector for its "Aerospace and Defense" cluster, particularly in the Stennis Space Center and Golden Triangle regions.
• Emergency Response Integration: Aligning with the December 2025 National AAM Strategy, MDOT is evaluating how AAM can improve emergency response times for natural and man-made disasters, a key benchmark in the state's latest strategic plan.

Strategic Initiatives and Resources

• MDOT 2026-2030 Strategic Plan: lbo.ms.gov/FY26-Mississippi-Strategic-Plan
• MDOT Freight Planning: mdot.ms.gov/portal/freight