The State of Mississippi is investing quite a sum of money in economic development funds in communities across the state.

Governor Tate Reeves announced a $17 million investment in site development grants to advance industrial sites across Mississippi. The funding is facilitated through the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) and aligns with Reeves’ commitment to fostering business development and economic opportunities.

Reflecting on the announcement, Reeves stated, “Last year, we brought in a record amount of new economic development, and these grants will help to continue Mississippi’s momentum. These long-term investments create ideal opportunities for companies to find shovel-ready sites to build, grow, and expand. This is key to our strategy of bringing more higher-paying jobs to local communities.”

The MDA is channeling $16,859,893 into Site Development Grant – Select Sites funding. Established in 2021, the Select Sites program aims to enhance the availability of highly competitive industrial sites for prospective companies. The evaluation of 32 top publicly owned industrial sites was conducted in collaboration with the Strategic Development Group, based in Greenville, S.C.

A specific allocation of $1,350,000 is directed towards the Pearl River County Industrial Park, primarily for extending the turn lane into the industrial park.

MDA Executive Director Bill Cork emphasized the significance of these initiatives, stating, “These sites represent opportunities to strengthen the foundation of Mississippi’s business infrastructure and demonstrate how attractive Mississippi continues to be for new and growing companies. The Site Development Grant Program is an important part of the growing portfolio of advantages that make Mississippi an ideal business place.”

Another site included in the investment plan is Business and Technology Park North in Grenada County, receiving $4,356,576 for grading at the park’s 200-acre rail-served site. The I-59 Supply Chain Park in Forest/Jones County is allocated $2,340,924 for constructing a secondary access road into the park.

Additional sites receiving funding include the Mississippi Gulf Coast Aerospace Center at Gulfport-Biloxi International Airport in Harrison County, I-59 South Industrial Site in Jones County, Marion County AirPlex/IndustryPlex in Marion County, Chickasaw Trail Industrial Park (Curl and Stamps Sites) in Marshall County, Eagle One Mega Site in Forest/Jones County, East Metro Center (EMC) Industrial Park (EMC Rail Site) in Rankin County, I-20/I-59 Industrial Park in Lauderdale County, Martintown North in Union County, NorthStar Industrial Park in Oktibbeha County, and Port Bienville Site #1 in Hancock County.