Governor Tate Reeves announced last week that the State of Mississippi is continuing to support the development efforts of Pearl River County through the announcement of two site development grants from the Mississippi Development Authority. Pearl River County was awarded a $50,000 Ready Site–Site Development Grant for the Pearl River County Technology Park, located in the City of Picayune near the Picayune Municipal Airport, and a $250,000 Premier Site— – -Site Development Grant for the Pearl River County Industrial Park, located in the City of Poplarville near the intersection of Highway 26 and Interstate 59.

“Mississippi is attracting record-shattering private sector investment largely due to our strategic and proactive approach to site development,” said Governor Tate Reeves, emphasizing the state’s commitment to economic growth. “We’ve made wise investments that have yielded tremendous dividends for Mississippi and our people. We must continue prioritizing investments in infrastructure and further expand the availability of project-ready sites to win even more private sector investment. Mississippi makes it easy for companies to relocate here, and that’s what we’ll continue to do, ensuring a prosperous future for our state.”

Expanding on Governor Reeves’ statement, Senator Hill said, “I truly appreciate the support and leadership from Governor Reeves and his continued investment in Pearl River County. The development of both the industrial park and technology park will support our future workforce development efforts in creating high-paying jobs for the people of Pearl River County. We received a large portion of this disbursement. It is a testament to the state’s commitment to the development of our region.” The technology park property is located in House District 108, which is served by Representative Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes, who commented, “investing in Pearl River County and growing our local economy are my highest priorities. I am very appreciative of this new site development funding.
I look forward to seeing continued growth in Picayune and Poplarville.” Further north, the industrial park resides in House District 106, served by Representative Jansen Owen, who stated, “The developments and growth of the Pearl River County Industrial Park make me both excited and proud for the future of my district and the entire county. The impacts of the future industrial investments and new job creation will significantly impact the entire region.”

Malcolm Perry, President of the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors, stated, “Pearl River County is grateful for the continued support and partnership from Governor Reeves, the Mississippi Development Authority, the Mississippi Legislature, Senator Angela Hill, Representative Jansen Owen, Representative Stacey Hobgood-Wilkes, and Representative Timmy Lander and for the steady partnerships with both the City of Picayune and the City of Poplarville. Economic development is a long game that requires strategic planning and a dedicated team. By working together, we continue to make Pearl River County and this region a great place to live, work, and play.”

The Site Development Grant program at the Mississippi Development Authority is made possible each year because of the Mississippi Legislature. The recently announced site development funds are in addition to the Select Site – Site Development funds Governor Reeves announced at the end of 2023; the Pearl River County Industrial Park was obligated $1,350,000 with this announcement for site development and road improvements to Highway 26 in front of the industrial park property.

“Pearl River County has been awarded $1,650,000 in site development grant funds over the past three months from the $20,000,000 in site development funds the Mississippi Legislature approved last session. These site development funds are critical in making the industrial and technology parks competitive for future industry recruitment. The continued investments and improvements made at both parks are creating premier sites that will be used to recruit new industries that will make strategic investments in our community and create high-paying jobs. I have been lucky to serve in my position for the past three years. I have witnessed Pearl River County strategically align its economic and site development focus. I’m incredibly excited that the community and region will soon be able to see first-hand the results of all our efforts and a more economically competitive Pearl River County,” said Lindsay Ward, Director of Economic Development for Pearl River County.