July 31, 2014
Site development assessment work is winding down on a 20acre site at Stennis International Airport and some prospective industries already have shown interest in the parcel adjacent to the airport tower. The assessment work was funded by a $24,450 Site Development Grant awarded to the Port and Harbor Commission earlier this year by the Mississippi Development Authority. The Commission matched the grant dollar for dollar. The grant funds the first phase of site development including wetlands delineation, soil borings, utility engineering and height elevation assessments. The work is expected to be completed by July 1. The wetlands assessment, which shows where wetlands are and how much need to be mitigated, needs approval from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is valid for five years. The grant was one of nine awarded to economic development entities throughout the state to prepare available greenfield sites for industrial development. MDA's Grants Review Committee approved the site based on its potential for improving industrial recruitment efforts. "The 20acre site is one of the few remaining large sites primed for development on the east side of the Stennis International Airport runway," said Port and Harbor Commission Executive Director Ashley Edwards. "Given its proximity to the runway and apron space, we believe the site is wellsuited for industrial aerospace and aeronautics operations." In awarding the grants, MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen said the grants increase competitiveness in attracting new industry. "Companies often seek locations that are shovelready so they can begin construction immediately, and this grant program assists in creating more shovelready sites throughout the state." MDA is opening the next round of site development grants in August.
About Hancock County Port & Harbor Commission
As the county economic development authority, the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is committed to fostering business investment and job creation. Their focus lies in attracting manufacturing, defense, aviation, and aerospace-related projects to the county. The organization manages the Stennis International Airport and Port Bienville Industrial Park while also providing support to the Stennis Space Center, NASA’s leading facility for rocket engine testing.