Christmas tree planted in Mississippi pothole

JACKSON, Miss. (FOX 13) - After waiting months for repairs, an unknown person in Mississippi placed a Christmas tree in a pothole in the middle of the road.

Residents a street in Jackson, say they don’t know who put up the tree, but they’re hoping it draws attention to an issue that issues in their neighborhood and across the country.

According to a recent report by the American Society of Civil Engineers, crumbling roads cost U.S. drivers about $533 in vehicle repairs each year. In Mississippi, it’s about $705. 

The report also says local and state governments need to raise taxes or create public-private partnerships to tackle the problem. It could take more than $2 billion to repair the roads.

One Jackson resident says, “They won’t fix it, so we might as well decorate it.”

Another said, “It’s a funny way to voice our frustration with the conditions of the road.”

Jackson currently has a one-percent sales tax to fix ongoing infrastructure issues. A city spokesperson said maintenance crews are aware of the issue and are working to make repairs, but also encourages people not to spread Christmas cheer by using potholes.