Mississippi
| Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
|---|---|---|
| Disaster Relief | 1 | $352,171 |
| Public Works | 3 | $2,155,000 |
| Planning | 4 | $756,000 |
| Technical Assistance |
1 | $128,592 |
| Total | 9 | $3,391,763 |
When a tissue and specialty paper converting company announced its plans to build a new manufacturing operation in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, the commitment would bring an estimated $48 million in private investment and 300 full-time jobs to the Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park. Once complete, the 400,000 sq. ft. building would be the second largest industrial facility ever constructed within the City of Hattiesburg.
However, the industrial park’s antiquated fire protection system lacked the capacity to handle this new expansion. With more than 300 manufacturing jobs hanging in the balance, the city needed to quickly make critical water infrastructure improvements or else the new deal would go up in flames. In April 2015, EDA awarded $355,000 to the city of Hattiesburg to install approximately 7,000 linear feet of water mains, hydrants, valves, and related appurtenances, to provide fire protection and improved water pressure to the Hattiesburg-Forrest County Industrial Park.
In addition to accommodating the new company’s arrival, the park’s existing tenants, who employ over 150 people, will also benefit directly from this project by receiving added fire protection and increased, consistent water pressure. This added capacity is critical to these companies remaining and growing in the industrial park.