Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests Nearly $400,000 to Build Infrastructure to Support Healthcare in Mississippi

Contact: Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085
Monday, June 13, 2014

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) today announced a $399,405 grant to Copiah Water Association Inc., of Gallman, Mississippi, to help build critical water infrastructure to support the construction of a new, job-creating hospital and spur other commercial and industrial development in Hazlehurst, Mississippi. According to grantee estimates, this project will retain 153 existing jobs, create 29 new jobs, and generate $16 million in private investment.

“The Obama Administration is committed to helping communities execute their local plans to create economic and job opportunity,” said U.S. Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Jay Williams. “The EDA grant announced today will provide the water infrastructure Hazlehurst needs to build a new, multi-million dollar health care facility and attract other job-creating businesses.”

This investment constructs water infrastructure improvements to support construction of the new Hardy Wilson Hospital and an unserved area for industrial and commercial development in Hazlehurst. The hospital is expected to expand and enhancing available critical care services in the region and support future business growth.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.