Governor announces plan to improve infrastructure, foster growth in state

Gov. Tate Reeves today announced his plan to drive economic development and growth in Mississippi by investing state funds in infrastructure projects throughout the state.

Projects that will help with site development efforts also are included to entice more high-paying jobs from businesses that may locate in Mississippi.

“To better position our state for further economic growth, we need to invest in our state’s roads and increase the number of project-ready sites across Mississippi,” said Reeves said. “These investments will go an incredibly long way toward giving Mississippi the competitive advantage it needs to land more economic development projects and deliver more high-quality, high-paying jobs for Mississippians.”

The funding for the $1.3 billion in infrastructure projects is coming from a surplus in state funds amassed over the last three to four years, Reeves said. The state has taken in more revenue than projected, leading to the surplus.

The state will spend more than $138.9 million in projects announced for the six South Mississippi counties.

The proposed projects, he said, are already in the pipeline and are ready to begin construction upon receiving the necessary funds. Included in the $1.3 billion is an additional investment of $100 million into the Emergency Road and Bridge Repair Program, which all 300 municipalities and 82 counties across Mississippi are eligible to apply for.

The plan also includes $57 million in grants to develop project-ready sites across Mississippi. These sites are critical to attracting large businesses to the state Reeves said. Once finished, they will allow companies to relocate to Mississippi immediately. These site-development grants have been approved and will begin work immediately.

Infrastructure projects in South Mississippi

• Harrison County- $43,014,474 for pavement rehab and widening of US 49 O’Neal Road to School Road
• Jackson County– $60,000,000 for widening of US 90 from SR 609 to Dolphin Drive
• Hancock/Harrison Counties- $24,000,000 for widening of I-10 from Diamondhead to Wolf River

Site-ready development projects in South Mississippi:

• Jackson County Aviation Technology Park – Jackson County: $3,265,552 for clearing and upgrades to the water service
• Pearl River County Industrial Park – Pearl River County: $2,250,000 for access road improvements, clearing and grading
• George County Industrial Park: $215,200 for clearing, grading, access road improvements, make rail access plans and plans for water and wastewater
• Harrison County Development Commission: $150,000 for environmental due diligence at the GST Site
• Pearl River County Board of Supervisors: $50,000 for completing environmental due diligence and clearing of 10 acres at Pearl River County Technology Park

Port Improvements in South Mississippi:

• Port Bienville: $2 million to build a new warehouse
• Port of Pascagoula River Harbor: $4 million to build rail cargo foundation with storage and staging