Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.8 Million to Help Build Critical Industry Support Center at the Thad Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park in Mississippi

WASHINGTON – U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross today announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.8 million grant to the Mississippi State University Research & Technology Corporation of Starkville, Mississippi, to help build a unique analytical center to support economic and industrial development, while aiding the University in its goal to provide education and workforce training in scientific research. The new Analytical Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis will be built at the Thad Cochran Research, Technology, and Economic Development Park.

“This project is the product of local leaders’ efforts to generate greater economic opportunities in Mississippi,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “The new Analytical Center for Advanced Microscopy and Microanalysis will boost the state’s competitiveness by providing regional businesses with the support they need to grow while simultaneously delivering the critical workforce training necessary to help them thrive.”

“This will strengthen Mississippi’s status as a leader in economic development, and will advance the great work being done at the Thad Cochran, Research, Technology and Economic Development Park, whose namesake has devoted his life to making our state stronger,” said Governor Phil Bryant. “I have shared numerous times with Secretary Ross that Mississippi is well-positioned to compete and win in the global marketplace, and I am grateful to him and the U.S. Economic Development Administration for recognizing that.”

“This is an exciting investment in scientific research through education and workforce development in Mississippi,” said U.S. Senator Thad Cochran. “I thank Secretary Ross and the Economic Development Administration for recognizing the value in Mississippi State University’s efforts to promote innovation and economic growth.”

The new facility will serve as an industrial resource by providing the instruments, equipment, and expertise businesses need to verify product integrity, support manufacturing, ensure quality control, and contribute to product development.

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.