WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.5 million grant to Corinth, Mississippi, to make the infrastructure improvements necessary to serve businesses at the Northeast Mississippi Waterfront Industrial Park. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 250 jobs and generate $158 million in private investment.

“A concern that weighs heavily upon President Trump is the deteriorating infrastructure which is relied on by communities throughout the United States,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “These improvements in Mississippi will support the local industry’s needs and boost the growth of the economy.”

“Strong water infrastructure is important for any city’s ability to create and retain jobs,” said Senator Wicker. “This investment in Corinth will spur millions of dollars in economic development and allow Corinth to grow its business base.”

This investment will help increase water supply needed for the growing Northeast Mississippi Waterfront Industrial Park. The proposed project will connect to an existing 30-foot water main, enabling business development and growth. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Northeast Mississippi Planning and Development District. EDA funds the Northeast 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.

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.