By John Howell Sr.
The Panola Partnership has received a grant of $25,000 to help fund preparation of the new Airport Industrial Park, the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) announced last week.
“The matching grant program is designed to assist nonprofit economic development organizations or local governments in preparing available greenfield sites for industrial development,” the MDA announcement states.

“The grant will be used to clear and grub trees and other growth that will allow us to utilize some additional property at the airport park and to enhance the appearance of the property in general,” Panola Partnership CEO Sonny Simmons said.

The total project is budgeted at $65,100, MDA representative Tammy Craft said.
“The required matching funds will be provided by the Partnership from the SMEPA (Southwestern Miss. Electric Power Association) funds designated for this purpose,” Simmons said. “No tax dollars or public funds will be used for this project.”

“MDA’s Site Development Grant Program is a great resource for economic development organizations … in order to increase their competitiveness when it comes to attracting new industry to their regions,” MDA Executive Director Brent Christensen said.

“Companies often seek locations that are shovel-ready so they can begin construction immediately, and this program assists in creating more shovel-ready sites throughout the state,” Christensen added.

Eight other recipients receiving the MDA grants were Washington County, Booneville-Prentiss County, Madison County EDA, Winston County EDP, Brookhaven-Lincoln County Chamber and IDF, Jones County EDA, Area Development Partnership and Hancock County Port and Harbor, according to the announcement.