Choctaw Tribal dignitaries were joined by government representatives on Wednesday to break ground on the new travel plaza project for the community.

Officials were present from the City of Louisville, Governor Tate Reeve’s office and Congressman Michael Guest’s office.

The 18,000sq-foot facility will feature 150 slot machines, a sportsbook lounge for patrons, as well as 3,000sq-feet of retail space and restaurants for the public.

A fueling station will also be constructed to cater towards both commercial and passenger vehicles.

Cyrus Ben, Tribal Chief for the Choctaw, said: “This project has been discussed for some time and today it is great to see it come to fruition as we break ground.

“This is a new project for CRDE that represents business growth for our Tribe.

“I am excited for both the Crystal Ridge community nearby and for the Winston County/City of Louisville community.”

The plaza will be situated on 18 acres of reservation land in Louisville that belongs to the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The Louisville Travel Plaza will provide around 100 jobs for local people and the facility is planned to be open 24/7.

In order to celebrate the new development, Ben will host a Tribal-wide contest to name the new development.

This name will replace the working title of Louisville Travel Plaza before the facility opens in the summer of 2024.

Ben continued: “We have a wonderful working relationship, and as Tribal Chief for the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, it is a great moment for me that we can work together to collectively better provide for our people.”