Pearl River County concluded 2024 by awarding the most infrastructure contracts during a single meeting, marking a milestone in economic development and road safety improvements. The $7.2 million in contracts will support industrial growth and enhance transportation safety across the county.

The key projects include:

• Highway 26 Widening and Improvements Project: Awarded to Holliday Construction, LLC for $1,094,568.11, this initiative is funded 90% through the Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA) Select Site – Site Development Grant Program. The project will enhance access to the Pearl River County Industrial Park, bolstering efforts to attract new businesses.
• Grade, Drain, and Base Infrastructure Improvements: R&J Construction, Inc. received a $2,051,201.78 contract for site development at the industrial park. Like the Highway 26 project, 90% of the funding comes from the MDA’s Select Site grant program.
• Federal Highway Safety Improvements: J.L. McCool Contractors, Inc. was awarded $2,823,009.50 for safety upgrades across 44 miles of local roads. The project, fully funded by federal aid through the Mississippi Department of Transportation, includes striping, signage, and other enhancements.
• State Aid Safety Improvements: J.L. McCool Contractors, Inc. received another contract for $1,235,229.30 to improve the safety of 30 miles of state-aided roadways.

“The continuous investment from our state and federal partners in infrastructure improvements will have a monumental impact on the future of our growing county,” said Malcolm Perry, president of the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors.

Perry highlighted the importance of collaboration with Governor Tate Reeves, the Mississippi Development Authority, and other state and federal agencies in securing significant project funding. He noted that most of the $7,204,008.69 in contracts are funded by non-local sources, reducing the financial burden on local taxpayers.

“Pearl River County is moving forward,” Perry added. “We want our partners at every level to know that we are working diligently and efficiently to ensure their support and investment in our community continues to have a rippling impact.”

These projects reflect Pearl River County’s commitment to public safety and economic competitiveness as it positions itself for continued growth in 2025 and beyond.