Simpson County is positioned to play a key role in Mississippi’s next wave of economic growth as part of a sweeping, more than $100 million statewide investment announced by Governor Tate Reeves on December 11.
The funding package targets economic development, infrastructure improvements, workforce training, tourism and conservation initiatives, with projects designed to strengthen local communities while positioning Mississippi for future private-sector investment.
Among the projects directly impacting Simpson County is a $250,000 Site Development Grant awarded through the Mississippi Development Authority’s (MDA) Premier Sites program for the Simpson County School District property.
The funding will support site due diligence, a critical step in preparing the property for potential industrial or commercial development and increasing its competitiveness for prospective employers.
Simpson County is also included in a $509,000 Delta Regional Authority (DRA)–funded Civil Military Innovation Institute Workforce Project, which spans multiple counties.
That initiative will expand hands-on training in high-demand fields such as welding, robotics, engineering and healthcare by upgrading career and technical education labs, deploying a mobile makerspace and partnering with employers to deliver credentials, apprenticeships and job placements.
Governor Reeves said the investment underscores Mississippi’s momentum in economic development and workforce readiness. “Whether it’s $49 billion in new private sector investment or finalizing the five largest economic development projects in state history, Mississippi is breaking records that were once thought to be unbreakable,” Reeves said.
He added, “The over $100 million investment I announced today will help Mississippi continue its record-shattering economic development efforts, attract billions in future capital investment and strengthen our entire state.”
Statewide, MDA is committing more than $28.6 million through its Site Development Grant Program, which supports Select Sites, Premier Sites and Ready Sites. These grants fund site acquisition, grading, utility work, access roads and due diligence to ensure that Mississippi communities are prepared to meet the needs of prospective industries.
In addition to MDA funding, the investment package includes nearly $21 million from the Appalachian Regional Commission, more than $5.7 million from the Delta Regional Authority, $31.2 million in RESTORE Act funding, $3.9 million through the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission and $10 million from GOMESA.
Together, these funds support projects ranging from industrial park infrastructure and workforce training centers to water and sewer improvements, transportation upgrades, tourism amenities and environmental conservation.
State officials said the combined investments will expand infrastructure at sites across Mississippi, strengthen workforce pipelines and enhance the state’s ability to attract new employers.
For Simpson County, the funding represents both immediate improvements and long-term opportunity, laying the groundwork for economic development that could bring new jobs, training opportunities and investment to the area in the years ahead.
