Governor Tate Reeves has announced $1,438,650 in funding through the Site Development Grant—Select Sites Program for the Pearl River County Industrial Park. The funding, administered by the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), will support the construction of a water tower, relocation of power lines, and other infrastructure improvements at the site, which is located on Highway 26 near Interstate 59.

“The continued investment into the Pearl River County Industrial Park will benefit efforts to recruit new industries and support economic development in south Mississippi,” said Malcolm Perry, President of the Pearl River County Board of Supervisors.

The funding builds on previous investments in the industrial park, including grants from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund. The park has received $10.6 million, of which 84% came from grants and non-local sources.

Governor Reeves outlined the importance of site readiness in attracting business development. “We have prioritized site development to ensure readiness for future economic opportunities,” Reeves said.

The Pearl River County Industrial Park is in Mississippi House District 106, represented by Rep. Jansen Owen, and Senate District 40, represented by Sen. Angela Hill. Both legislators supported the project, citing its role in fostering economic development and job creation in the region.

According to Lindsay Ward, the Director of economic development for Pearl River County, the improvements aim to position the industrial park as a competitive site for prospective industries.

Recently, bids for the Highway 26 Widening Project and the Grade, Drain, and Base Project were opened. Contract awards are expected at a future Pearl River County Board of Supervisors meeting.

The Select Sites Program, established in 2021, has allocated over $27 million statewide to enhance publicly owned industrial sites. The Pearl River County Industrial Park was one of 10 locations selected for funding based on evaluation criteria.