Federal Grant Award Summary

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety received a Section 405(B) Occupant Protection Grant totaling $181,744.75 from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) under the National Priority Safety Programs (CFDA 20.616) formula grant program. The award, effective October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2029, supports occupant protection initiatives designed to reduce motor vehicle crash fatalities and injuries across Mississippi. Under this award, the state highway safety office implements evidence-based countermeasure strategies and programs that address seatbelt use and occupant protection, consistent with an approved Triennial Highway Safety Plan and Annual Grant Application that detail problem identification, performance measures, and specific project implementations.

The funding supports the state's comprehensive occupant protection program activities, which are delivered through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety's Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division in coordination with sub-recipients including local law enforcement agencies, county governments, and community organizations. Award recipients must meet statutory requirements for either high or low seatbelt use categories to qualify for this formula-based allocation. Funds are distributed on a reimbursable basis through voucher claims covering eligible project costs, with the state required to maintain financial records and project documentation for three years following final expenditure reporting.