Summary:

The Mississippi Site Development Grant Program assists public or private non-profit economic development organizations or local governments in the development of green field sites for industrial development. It's objective is to encourage industrial development in Mississippi. The program is designed to assist local partners develop Ready Sites and Premier Sites to increase the number of competitive sites available for industrial development in Mississippi.

A Ready Site is defined as a property which satisfactorily meets the minimum criteria for a competitive, marketable site and is ready for a project within an expedited timeframe. Ready Sites are classified as sites with a minimum of 20 highly developable acres, site-work ready within six months and can have utilities on site in twelve months. Rail-served sites are preferred. The maximum grant will be $50,000 or 50% of the total cost of all the due diligence/site development improvements required, whichever is less. Growth and Prosperity (GAP) designated counties are only required to submit 25% percent of match funding for the Ready Site program only.

A Premier Site is defined as a property which satisfactorily meets the desired development criteria of its potential market and has additional differentiating or distinguishing site location attributes (e.g. high demand locations, intermodal and/or port access, large-scale "mega" development acreage, significant utility infrastructure, etc.). Premier Sites must have a minimum of 200 acres with a labor force able to attract the intended market. A workforce study is required. Rail-served sites are preferred.

The maximum grant will be $250,000 or 50% of the total cost of all the due diligence/site development improvements required, whichever is less.

Eligible Recipients:

Local Government; Non-Profit Organization

Eligible Recipients Detail:

Public or private non-profit economic development organizations or local governments that develop greenfield sites.

Eligible Purpose:

Last Mile Infrastructure; Building Infrastructure; General Infrastructure

Eligible Purpose Detail:

Eligible expenditures as stated in statute include:
• Architectural fees,
• Design and engineering fees,
• Environmental studies/assessments,
• Attorney fees,
• Fees for consultants or agents that MDA determines necessary to complete site diligence,
• Geotechnical and/or resistivity testing,
• Clearing/grading,
• Environmental mitigation or purchase of mitigation credits,
• Drainage system improvements,
• Right of way and easement acquisition,
• Utility system expansions and/or distribution,
• Transportation directly effecting site (roads, bridges or rail),
• Bulkheads,
• Land reclamation,
• Industrial park “getaway” signage and/or aesthetic improvements,
• On-site demolition (old houses, barns, etc.) subject to cultural review, and
• Site development improvements as approved by MDA.