Governor Reeves Announces Over $100 Million In Investment To Continue Mississippi’s Record-breaking Economic Development Momentum – Office of Governor Tate Reeves (.gov)

Mississippi’s $100 Million Investment in Economic Development Aligned with Sustainable Development Goals

Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi announced a comprehensive investment exceeding $100 million dedicated to economic development, infrastructure improvements, workforce training, tourism, and conservation initiatives statewide. This strategic allocation supports multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8), Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure (SDG 9), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Life Below Water (SDG 14).

Funding Sources and Strategic Objectives

The funding originates from various authorities and programs such as the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA), Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC), Delta Regional Authority (DRA), RESTORE Act, Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA), and Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC). The primary focus is to strengthen Mississippi’s economy through site development, infrastructure enhancement, and workforce training, thereby fostering sustainable economic growth and resilient communities.

Site Development Grant Program by Mississippi Development Authority (MDA)

MDA allocated $28,635,216 through its Site Development Grant Program, which comprises three categories: Select Sites, Premier Sites, and Ready Sites. These initiatives contribute to SDG 9 by enhancing industrial infrastructure and promoting sustainable industrialization.

Select Site Grants

1. Springs BNSF Certified Site, Marshall County: $8,528,000 for acquisition of 1,110 acres, expanding publicly owned industrial land.
2. Coldwater Industrial Site, Tate County: $429,286 for access road improvements and utility upgrades.
3. Tupelo Lee Industrial Park South – Site M, Lee County: $2,000,000 for site grading and stormwater management.
4. Marion County Regional Airplex/IndustryPlex: $900,000 for site clearing and wastewater system study.
5. West Rankin Industrial Park, Rankin County: $4,846,750 for grading, drainage, and wetlands mitigation.
6. North Ripley Industrial Park, Tippah County: $4,210,170 for access road construction and site grading.
7. Mississippi River Inland Port Complex Megasite, Warren County: $2,920,698 for access road design and construction.
8. Mississippi River Energy Complex – Paper Site, Adams County: $1,777,500 for site clearing and leveling.
9. Port Bienville Industrial Park – Site #1, Hancock County: $1,353,712 for wetlands mitigation.
10. Pearl River County Industrial Park: $110,000 for site due diligence on 240 acres.

Premier Site Grants

• Amory Port North Site, Monroe County: $250,000 for water well replacement.
• Wynndale Industrial Park, Hinds County: $27,100 for master planning and wetlands assessment.
• Fawn Grove Industrial Park, Itawamba County: $250,000 for utility line relocation.
• Leake County Business Park: $110,000 for wastewater capacity evaluation.
• Southwest Rankin Industrial Park: $3,250 for site due diligence.
• Wooten Industrial Site, Scott County: $250,000 for all-weather access road construction.
• Simpson County School District Property: $250,000 for site due diligence.
• Winston County Industrial Park: $162,500 for feasibility and capacity studies.

Ready Site Grants

• Ignition Park, Hancock County: $7,500 for signage.
• Sucarnoochee Site, Kemper County: $48,750 for site due diligence.
• Pearl River County Technology Park: $50,000 for signage and entrance improvements.
• Fellowship Road Site, Smith County: $50,000 for drainage improvements.
• City of Senatobia Spec Site, Tate County: $50,000 for site due diligence.
• U.S. Hwy 98 Site Supervisors, Walthall County: $50,000 for surveying and grading.

Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) Funding: $20,891,932

ARC funding supports site development, workforce development, and infrastructure improvements, aligning with SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 8, and SDG 9.

• Regional and Emergency Response Center, Oktibbeha County: $956,400 for disaster relief infrastructure.
• Metal Alloys Manufacturing Competitiveness, Oktibbeha County: $800,000 for advanced microscopy equipment at Mississippi State University.
• Welding Equipment for Northwest Mississippi Community College: $1,000,000 to support priority occupations.
• Health Science Center Renovation at East Mississippi Community College: $1,000,000 for nursing and health programs.
• Industrial Building Improvements, Winston County: $357,280 for structural upgrades.
• Mississippi BOOST Pilot Program: $994,623 to integrate Industry 4.0 technology and train workers.
• Water and Wastewater Extensions in Batesville and Baldwyn Industrial Parks: $1,070,000 combined for infrastructure expansion.
• Healthcare Technology Enhancement at Blue Mountain Christian University: $424,060 for training healthcare professionals.
• Access Road Construction and Water Supply Projects: $1,365,000 to improve industrial access and utilities.
• Electric Grid Upgrades for Northeast Mississippi: $1,000,000 to improve reliability for over 1,000 businesses.
• Cyber Security and AI Lab at Water Valley School District: $69,254 for technology education.
• Career and Technical Education Center Equipment: $50,000 to support eight programs.
• Small Business Development Center Creation: $553,730 to foster entrepreneurship.
• Advanced Composites Institute Modernization at MSU: $647,500 for workforce upskilling.
• Diesel Equipment Program Expansion at Itawamba Community College: $1,715,000 to meet industry workforce needs.
• Cinco Megasite Water Infrastructure: $5,714,000 for advanced manufacturing attraction.
• Wastewater Facility Expansion at Chickasaw Trails Industrial Park: $2,507,085 for infrastructure capacity.

Delta Regional Authority (DRA) Funding: $5,737,082

DRA funding emphasizes workforce training, infrastructure, and conservation, contributing to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 8, and SDG 11.

• Delta Compass Campus, Washington County: $500,000 for centralized workforce and business support.
• Metro Booming Workforce Training, Hinds County: $492,234 for certification-based technical training.
• Sunflower County Industrial Access Road: $509,000 to enhance industrial logistics.
• Wastewater System Upgrades in Taylorsville and Pope: $917,000 combined for regulatory compliance and system reliability.
• Road Improvements in Carroll County: $501,037 to increase freight mobility.
• Flooding and Sewer Projects in Coahoma, Jasper, and Smith Counties: $801,404 for stormwater and sewer infrastructure.
• Water System Rehabilitation in Quitman County: $508,899 to improve aging water and sewer systems.
• Civil Military Innovation Institute Workforce Project: $509,000 for training in high-demand technical fields.
• Pedestrian Safety and Street Improvements in Carroll County: $162,378 to ensure safe access to educational facilities.

RESTORE Act Funding: $31,202,000

RESTORE Act investments focus on tourism, conservation, workforce development, and infrastructure, supporting SDG 8, SDG 11, and SDG 14.

• Buccaneer State Park Upgrades, Hancock County: $1,000,000 for enhanced family amenities.
• Diamondhead Nature Trail Construction, Hancock County: $3,786,200 for a 2.6-mile trail with pedestrian infrastructure.
• Point Cadet Marina Expansion, Harrison County: $6,500,000 for floating docks and amenities.
• Airport Improvements at Trent Lott and Gulfport-Biloxi International Airports: $6,100,000 combined for runway and taxiway enhancements.
• Oyster Shell Recycling Program Expansion: $553,920 for coastal conservation efforts.
• Port Bienville Site 6 Development: $5,000,000 for warehouse and rail infrastructure.
• Workforce Training Centers at Pearl River Community College and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College: $5,450,000 combined for advanced manufacturing education.
• Port of Pascagoula Wharf Expansion: $2,811,880 for maritime infrastructure.

Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) Funding: $3,918,949

SCRC funding supports site development, workforce training, and infrastructure improvements, advancing SDG 9 and SDG 8.

• Highway 80 Sewer and Water Main Projects in Scott and Newton Counties: $1,127,216 for utility upgrades.
• Water Line Replacement in Downtown Decatur: $430,000 to improve service reliability.
• Archusa Dam Repair, Clarke County: $600,000 to restore lake infrastructure.
• Transportation Technology Center Renovation at Meridian Community College: $475,000 for technical training.
• Industrial Park Access Road in Neshoba County: $475,000 to open land for business expansion.
• City of Morton Sewer Rehabilitation: $441,733 for wastewater infrastructure upgrades.
• Antioch Road Widening/Extension, George County: $600,000 to improve community access.
• Airport Fixed Base Operator Modernization, Stone County: $200,000 for airport operations.

Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act (GOMESA) Funding: $10,000,000

GOMESA funding targets workforce development and infrastructure improvements, contributing to SDG 6 and SDG 8.

• Hwy 603 Sewer Extension, Hancock County: $2,600,000 to provide sewer services supporting development.
• Hydrographic Technician Curriculum at Pearl River Community College: $2,300,000 for maritime industry careers.
• Long Beach Smallcraft Harbor Jetty Hardening, Harrison County: $2,453,900 for storm resilience and erosion protection.
• Escatawpa Septic System Abatement, Jackson County: $2,646,100 for watershed protection and water quality improvement.

Conclusion

Mississippi’s multi-agency investment plan demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainable development by integrating economic growth, infrastructure resilience, workforce education, environmental conservation, and community well-being. These initiatives collectively advance the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, positioning Mississippi for a prosperous and sustainable future.

For a detailed map of project locations, please click here.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected to the Issues Highlighted in the Article

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Focus on economic development, workforce training, and attracting private sector investment.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Investments in infrastructure improvements, site development, and modernization of facilities.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Projects related to wastewater system upgrades, water treatment facilities, and sewer improvements.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Improvements in transportation, flood control, and community infrastructure.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Conservation initiatives and projects aimed at storm resilience and environmental protection.
6. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Workforce training centers, technical education programs, and skill development initiatives.
7. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Oyster shell recycling program and sustainable industrial development.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified Based on the Article’s Content

1. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
   • Target 8.2: Achieve higher levels of economic productivity through diversification, technological upgrading, and innovation.
   • Target 8.5: Achieve full and productive employment and decent work for all.
2. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.1: Develop quality, reliable, sustainable and resilient infrastructure.
   • Target 9.2: Promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and increase the industry’s share of employment.
   • Target 9.5: Enhance scientific research and upgrade technological capabilities.
3. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals.
4. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.2: Provide access to safe, affordable, accessible and sustainable transport systems.
   • Target 11.5: Reduce the number of deaths and the number of people affected by disasters.
5. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.1: Strengthen resilience and adaptive capacity to climate-related hazards.
6. SDG 4: Quality Education
   • Target 4.3: Ensure equal access to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education.
   • Target 4.4: Increase the number of youth and adults with relevant skills for employment.
7. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling and reuse.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied in the Article to Measure Progress Towards the Identified Targets

1. Economic Growth and Employment (SDG 8)
   • Amount of private sector investment attracted (e.g., $49 billion in new private sector investment).
   • Number of workforce training programs and participants trained (e.g., training 150 workers in Industry 4.0 technology).
   • Number of new jobs created or supported through infrastructure and industrial development projects.
2. Infrastructure Development (SDG 9)
   • Number and size of industrial sites developed or improved (e.g., acreage of sites acquired or prepared).
   • Length and quality of roads, water mains, and sewer lines constructed or upgraded (e.g., miles of water supply lines, feet of sewer lines).
   • Number of facilities modernized or constructed (e.g., workforce training centers, manufacturing innovation centers).
3. Water and Sanitation (SDG 6)
   • Capacity and reliability improvements in water and wastewater systems (e.g., wastewater lagoon improvements, water treatment upgrades).
   • Number of households and businesses served by improved water and sewer infrastructure.
4. Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11)
   • Improvements in transportation infrastructure (e.g., road widening, airport improvements).
   • Reduction in flooding incidents due to stormwater infrastructure upgrades.
5. Climate Action and Conservation (SDG 13)
   • Implementation of conservation projects (e.g., oyster shell recycling, jetty hardening for storm resilience).
   • Extent of natural habitat or ecosystem protection achieved.
6. Quality Education and Workforce Development (SDG 4)
   • Number of students and workers trained in technical and vocational programs.
   • Number of new educational facilities or labs established.
7. Responsible Consumption and Production (SDG 12)
   • Quantity of waste recycled or reduced (e.g., oyster shell recycling program).

4. Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: governorreeves.ms.gov