The Missouri Department of Transportation will hold two ribbon cutting ceremonies on Tuesday, May 24 to celebrate the completion of the Marston and Hayti Welcome Centers. The first ceremony will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Marston Welcome Center at southbound Interstate 55 mile marker 42.4. The second ceremony will be held at 1 p.m. at the northbound Hayti Welcome Center located on Interstate 55 mile marker 20.2. The public and media are invited to attend.  In the event of inclement weather, the ceremonies will be held inside the Welcome Center buildings.

Anticipated speakers for the Marston ceremony include:

• The Honorable Terry Swinger, Missouri House of Representatives

• The Honorable Steven Hodges, Missouri House of Representatives

• The Honorable Clyde Hawes, New Madrid County Presiding Commissioner

• Mr. Duane Michie, Former Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioner

• Mr. Mike Marshall, Delta Regional Authority

• Mr. Steve Duke, Director of the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

• Mr. Patrick McQuillan, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology

• Mr. Jerry Prewett, Department of Natural Resources Geological Survey Program Director

• Ms. Phyllis Steckel, Earthquake Insight, LLC

• Mr. Darrell Martin, Lincoln University

• Ms. Cheryl Ball, Assistant to the District Engineer

Anticipated speakers for the Hayti ceremony include:

• The Honorable Terry Swinger, Missouri House of Representatives

• The Honorable Steven Hodges, Missouri House of Representatives

• The Honorable Jim Atchison, Pemiscot County Presiding Commissioner

• The Honorable Bobby Watkins, Mayor of Hayti

• Mr. Duane Michie, Former Missouri Highways and Transportation Commissioner

• Mr. Steve Duke, Director of the Bootheel Regional Planning Commission

• Ms. Katie Steele Danner, Missouri Division of Tourism Director

• Ms. Cheryl Ball, Assistant to the District Engineer

The Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission awarded an $11,629,285 contract in July 2009 to R. L. Persons Construction Inc.  Both projects included construction of the Welcome Centers, grading, paving, drainage work, lighting, landscaping and signing. The Marston Welcome Center features both New Madrid Earthquake and Mississippian culture themes. The Hayti location features a wetlands theme.

"Both locations feature restroom facilities, picnic areas, a playground, benches and walking trails," said Resident Engineer Brian Holt.

For more information, please contact Project Manager Tim Richmond at (573) 472-5290, Project Manager Barry Horst at (573) 472-5289, Resident Engineer Brian Holt at (573) 472-5325 or MoDOT's Customer Service Center toll-free at 1-888-ASK-MODOT (1-888-275-6636). 

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