Mississippi Approves $5 million in Forestry Facility Grant Program Awards for Infrastructure and Transportation Projects

JACKSON, Miss. - Governor Tate Reeves today announced that the Mississippi Development Authority has approved $5 million in Mississippi Forestry Facility Grant Program awards to support infrastructure, transportation improvements and site readiness for three forestry industry projects across the state.

The Mississippi Forestry Facility Grant Program supports infrastructure and transportation needs tied to forestry industry expansion projects. Eligible uses include public infrastructure such as roads, rail access, utilities and other improvements that support economic development.

The approved grants include:

• Choctaw County - Up to $2,950,598 to construct a publicly owned industrial access road, easing congestion tied to Southeastern Timber Products' expansion.
• Town of Gloster - Up to $1,349,402 to help acquire the 34-mile Gloster Southern Railroad corridor, leveraging use of a Consolidated Rail Infrastructure and Safety Improvements award to restore rail service between Slaughter, Louisiana, and Gloster.
• Bell Timber, Inc. - Up to $700,000 to extend natural gas and water service and upgrade electrical infrastructure to support kiln operations.

QUOTES

"Forestry continues to be a cornerstone of Mississippi's economy, and these investments make it easier for our communities to grow and compete. We're improving the infrastructure that keeps products moving and businesses expanding. That means more opportunity, more jobs and a stronger future for Mississippians." - Gov. Tate Reeves

"These targeted investments will deliver immediate impact by removing barriers and helping forestry projects move forward. Forestry is a powerful economic engine in our state, contributing $1.5 billion last year to Mississippi's $9.5 billion agriculture industry. Through these three grants, we're investing in what clearly works-and in the people and businesses moving Mississippi forward." - Mississippi Development Authority Executive Director Bill Cork