Reeves, who was speaking at the Capitol’s news conference Wednesday, accused journalists of being either confused or of deliberately misrepresenting facts. He said that he would write a letter asking Melinda McGrath, Mississippi Department of Transportation executive director, to ask who tried to influence MDOT to build the frontage road. McGrath stated that MDOT made the decision to construct the frontage road after “political pressure” from Senators. Reeves said Wednesday that he was not aware of any undue influences on the project. He made this statement to journalists during a news conference held in a Senate committee room. Reeves’ insistence that he was not involved was reinforced by Dick Hall, Central District Transportation Commissioner, who stated at a news conference Wednesday that he had never spoken with Reeves or any legislator about the frontage road. Hall stated that he decided to build the frontage road out of safety concerns. The frontage road will be built between two neighborhoods with fewer than 150 houses. It will also cross a red light at the shopping center, making it easier for residents to turn left toward Jackson. The frontage road would not benefit any other businesses or communities. Hall announced Tuesday that he would postpone the construction of the frontage road, which was due to be bidding out later in this month. Hall stated that he would reevaluate whether the project was necessary due to safety concerns. He also acknowledged that media reports had influenced his decision not to move it. Hall stated that he didn’t know of any inappropriate behavior. Hall said that if I were the lieutenant governor, I would be interested in the project and would have made it known. In an editorial, the Clarion Ledger also demanded investigation into this matter, although it is not clear who would do so. Jim Hood is the top state law enforcement official and attorney general. Any investigation could be viewed as politically motivated. Hood declined to comment on the story. Reeves and Hood are expected to meet in the next year’s governor race. Tom Hood is the brother of Jim Hood. He heads the state ethics commission. His agency must prove that the individual received a monetary benefit to be able to intervene in a case. This is a broad definition, but it usually means money in the person’s bank account or something that makes his property more valued… and we would have to prove that with clear and convincing evidence. The state auditor also investigates possible misappropriation of taxpayer funds. However, a spokesperson for the office stated that the auditor does neither confirm nor deny that there are investigative matters. The state senator David Blount (D-Jackson), who is a member of the state Senate Ethics Committee said that the committee only reviews changes to state ethics laws. The chair of the ethics committee, Sen. Chris Massey (R-Nesbit), did not return a call for comment. Reeves admitted that he had lobbied MDOT to increase the number of lanes on a section of Lakeland Drive, near his home in Rankin County, from four to six. This was due to the rapid growth in the area. The project was completed. He also acknowledged that his neighborhood association had expressed concerns about the intersection. MDOT engineers proposed a cheaper U-turn to allow residents to continue left on Lakeland. However, the association opposed it. MDOT engineers stated that placing a traffic light at this location was not an option due to the close proximity of the neighborhood’s intersection with Lakeland Drive and other traffic lights. The Clarion Ledger received emails indicating that certain members of the staff of the lieutenant governor, who the paper didn’t name, inquired about this frontage road issue. Reeves claimed that he did not know much about the matter and did not communicate with the neighborhood association through its communications with Department of Transportation. Reeves wrote McGrath that he had no unacceptable interactions with McGrath on the issue. He also stated, “If there is any question about the Department of Transportation or any other project, I need to be informed so I can investigate it and correct it if necessary.” Reeves also cited numerous instances where he and his staff inquired about transportation projects and other projects for constituents. Reeves stated that it is the constitutional duty for legislators to decide what projects are funded. Mississippi Today reported earlier this week that lawmakers have requested $163 million to fund special projects in their respective districts since 2012. This despite the sharp criticisms of MDOT spending. Reeves stated that it was proper for legislators to follow the advice of MDOT engineers about which projects to fund. However, legislators have the right to make the final decision through the passage and discussion of bills. McGrath was reviewing Reeves’ correspondence, but a spokesperson for MDOT stated that she was unavailable to comment.