Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests to Boost Business and Export Opportunities in George County, Mississippi

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.4 million grant to the George County Board of Supervisors, Lucedale, Mississippi, to make critical infrastructure improvements to the George County Industrial Park. The improved industrial site will accommodate local business needs, including the development of a wood pellet plant that will produce over 1.4 million metric tons of pellets annually, primarily for export to the United Kingdom and Europe. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 90 jobs.

“Since day one, the Trump Administration has worked hard to revitalize the manufacturing industry in the United States,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment in infrastructure for the George County Industrial Park will help grow the U.S. economy and support America’s exporters.”

“This grant is crucial for Enviva and George County,” said Governor Bryant. “EDA’s investment in this project will further strengthen Mississippi’s status as a leader in economic development. I am grateful for Secretary Ross and his team for their continued support.”

“Mississippi is blessed with a strong industrial base and local leaders who are committed to advancing the economic prospects of our state,” said Senator Wicker. “This investment from the Economic Development Administration will help George County transform forestry resources into industrial growth and jobs for the region.”

“I commend George County for working to improve its economy. These EDA resources will help ensure the appropriate infrastructure is in place to support jobs and manufacturing,” said U.S. Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.). “The new pellet plant is a win for this rural region and for the Mississippi forestry industry. As I’ve said before, our forestry industry prides itself on being able to use every part of every harvested tree. In this case, meeting the demand for wood fiber will mean more jobs and investment in South Mississippi.”

“This grant will support the continued development of George County’s Industrial Park by investing in infrastructure to increase wood pellet production and bringing jobs to Mississippi,” said Congressman Steven Palazzo, (R-Miss.). “The wood pellet plant represents a long term commitment to both the community and economy of the region. I am glad to know the President and his Administration also remain committed to revitalizing American manufacturing and growing our state’s economy.”

The project will fund roadway, water and wastewater improvements for the George County Industrial Park to support the wood pellet plant and other businesses. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District. EDA funds the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

This project is funded under the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2018 (PL 115-123) (PDF), in which Congress appropriated to EDA $600 million in additional Economic Adjustment Assistance (EAA) Program (PDF) funds for disaster relief and recovery as a result of Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria, wildfires and other calendar year 2017 natural disasters under the Stafford Act.

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.