HATTIESBURG, Miss. (AP) — The success of the Southern Miss football team has created a wave of much-needed momentum.

On Monday, the athletic department announced a set of plans it hopes will maintain that positive direction. The program will begin work on a three-pronged project next week that will include the expansion and renovation of the strength and conditioning center, the construction of a state-of-the-art football locker room and the development of a nutrition center.

Athletic Director Bill McGillis called the facility improvements a game-changing moment for Southern Miss athletics.

The Hattiesburg American reports (http://hatne.ws/1TMROwV) the total cost of all three projects is $1.6 million and will be funded by donors James and Tommy Duff, and Dolly and Wade Walters. Work is set to begin on the strength and conditioning center next week.

• Actor Elliott Street dies at 80

• Abdella recognized by mayor, City Council