FY2027 Community Project Funding Requests

Project Name - D'Iberville Public Safety Equipment Modernization
Requested Amount - $1,500,000
Intended Recipient - City of D’Ilberville
Recipient Address - 10383 Automall Parkway, D’Ilberville MS 39540
Request Explanation –
The purpose of this project is to modernize and strengthen the public safety capabilities of the City of D’Iberville by providing critical equipment for both the Police and Fire Departments. As one of the fastest-growing communities on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, D’Iberville faces increasing demand for emergency response, disaster preparedness, marine rescue operations, and regional mutual-aid support. Located along major transportation corridors and surrounded by coastal waterways, the City’s first responders must be equipped with modern technology and specialized tools to protect residents and visitors.

Funding will support the purchase of essential equipment that improves response capabilities, enhances situational awareness, and increases safety for responders and the public, and other equipment and or necessary purchases which
comply with the conditions of this account. For the Fire Department, this includes an underwater drone for marine rescue and recovery operations, a brush and wildland responsevehicle to access wooded and difficult terrain, and all-terrain response vehicles to support search and rescue and disaster response.

For the Police Department, the project will enhance communication, officer safety, and operational efficiency through upgraded mobile radios, mobile data computers that provide real-time access to critical information, and an electronic citation system that reduces roadside exposure during traffic stops. Additional equipment, including an unmanned aerial drone system and a portable radar speed sign, will support search operations, disaster response, and neighborhood traffic safety.

This investment strengthens public safety operations and improves the City’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies while supporting regional response efforts across the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

D'Iberville Public Safety Nexus Letter

Project Name - Jones County Sheriff's Department Law Enforcement Equipment & Vehicles
Requested Amount - $807,256.60
Intended Recipient - Jones County Sheriff's Department
Recipient Address - 419 Yates Avenue, Laurel, MS 39440
Request Explanation –
The Jones County Sheriff’s Department is requesting funding to purchase essential law enforcement vehicles, communications systems, and operational equipment for deputies assigned to the Patrol, Narcotics, Criminal Investigations, Interdiction, and SWAT Divisions. These resources are necessary to maintain effective law enforcement operations and ensure the safety of deputies serving the more than 66,000 residents of Jones County and the hundreds of thousands of visitors who travel through the county each year. Due to current budget limitations, the Sheriff’s Department does not have sufficient funding in its FY26 or anticipated FY27 county budget to procure these critical items.

Funding will support the purchase of portable and mobile radios operating on Mississippi’s statewide MSWIN communications system to ensure reliable and interoperable communication during emergencies and routine operations. The request also includes mobile laptop computers and printers for patrol vehicles to provide deputies with real-time access to information in the field, improving response efficiency and reporting accuracy. Body-worn cameras will enhance transparency, accountability, and evidence collection during law enforcement interactions. In addition, K9 patrol vehicles will support narcotics detection, interdiction operations, search and rescue missions, fugitive tracking, and routine patrol duties. Funding may also be used for other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account.

This investment represents a responsible use of taxpayer funds by strengthening public safety, improving officer safety, and enhancing the department’s ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies while serving the residents and communities of Jones County.

Jones County Nexus Letter

Project Name - Advancing Rural Digital Forensics Initiative
Requested Amount - $3,000,000
Intended Recipient - University of Southern Mississippi
Recipient Address - 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406-001
Request Explanation –
The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) is requesting funding to expand the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative (RDFI), a program designed to improve digital forensics training for law enforcement agencies, particularly those serving rural communities. The initiative has already established a digital forensics laboratory and media production studio at USM and developed foundational training materials that help officers understand how to identify, preserve, and present digital evidence in criminal investigations.

This project will expand RDFI’s capabilities by developing advanced digital forensics training and increasing access to these resources for law enforcement agencies across Mississippi and the nation. Funding will support the purchase of additional digital forensics technologies to enhance laboratory capabilities, the acquisition of a mobile media production system to deliver and record training at partner law enforcement locations, and expanded personnel capacity to increase training development and delivery. Funding may also support other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account.

This investment represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it strengthens law enforcement’s ability to investigate and prosecute crimes involving digital evidence, including cybercrime, fraud, and technology-related offenses. By expanding access to specialized training and modern forensic tools, the project will help ensure that rural and smaller agencies have the resources and expertise needed to handle increasingly complex digital investigations.

The project will also support workforce development by creating a pipeline of trained digital forensics professionals while improving public safety and strengthening law enforcement capabilities across Mississippi and beyond.

Advancing Rural Digital Forensics Initiative

Project Name - Stone County Public Safety Communications Modernization & MSWIN Expansion
Requested Amount - $6,337,318
Intended Recipient - Stone County Emergency Management Agency
Recipient Address - 533 First Street South, Wiggins, MS 39577
Request Explanation –
Stone County is requesting funding to modernize and expand its public safety communications infrastructure through the Stone County Public Safety Communications Modernization and MSWIN Expansion project. The project will equip a new Mississippi Wireless Information Network (MSWIN) tower in northern Stone County to address radio coverage gaps, eliminate communication dead zones, and improve reliability for law enforcement, fire services, and emergency management. The tower will include MSWIN radio equipment, an equipment shelter, and backup power and generator capability to ensure communications remain operational during emergencies and severe weather.

The project will also strengthen regional interoperability by expanding MSWIN coverage into southern Forrest County, southern Perry County, and western George County, improving coordination among local, state, and federal agencies during disasters and major incidents.

Funding will also support replacement of outdated dispatch radio consoles and 911 call-taking systems with modern equipment that meets national standards and improves reliability during high-demand events such as severe weather and evacuations. In addition, the project will replace aging radios across participating agencies that are more than 15 years old and no longer supported by manufacturers, ensuring all responders can operate fully on the MSWIN system. Funding may also support other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account.

This investment represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it strengthens public safety communications, improves coordination among first responders, and ensures more reliable emergency response for residents, businesses, students, and visitors throughout Stone County and the surrounding region.

Stone County Nexus Letter

Project Name - Vivarium
Requested Amount - $9,000,000
Intended Recipient - University of Southern Mississippi
Recipient Address - 118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS, 39406
Request Explanation – This initiative represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it addresses a critical public need, delivers measurable benefits to the community, and promotes long-term efficiency and sustainability. By investing in this project, taxpayers gain improved research in biomedical services, and enhanced biomedical infrastructure. it will ensure Mississippi and the country, benefits from enhanced research into the field of biomedical research, with expansive collaboration.

Vivarium Nexus Letter

Project Name - Pearl River County Public Safety
Requested Amount - $1,597,190
Intended Recipient - Pearl RIver County Sheriff’s Department
Recipient Address - 109 West Pearl Street, Poplarville, MS 39470
Request Explanation –
The purpose of this project is to strengthen public safety and law enforcement capabilities in Pearl River County by replacing aging patrol vehicles and providing critical equipment upgrades for the Sheriff’s Department. The county is requesting $1.47 million in Congressional Directed Spending to support public safety improvements, including police package cruisers, technology upgrades, and safety equipment needed to effectively serve the community.

A key part of the request is the purchase of police package cruisers that will allow deputies to patrol and monitor the more than 1,100 miles of roads across the county. As one of the largest counties in Mississippi by land area, reliable vehicles are essential for maintaining patrol coverage and responding quickly to emergencies, particularly in rural areas. Many of the department’s current vehicles have significantly deteriorated, making them less reliable and more expensive to maintain.

In addition to patrol vehicles, the project will support technological upgrades, safety equipment, automobiles, and other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account. These improvements will help modernize operations and allow for better coordination and faster response between the Sheriff’s Department and other law enforcement agencies.

This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it ensures deputies have the reliable tools needed to protect residents and respond to emergencies. Upgrading vehicles and equipment will improve response times, strengthen coordination between agencies, and enhance officer safety while patrolling the county’s extensive road network.

Pearl River County Nexus Letter

Project Name - Interoperable Tower Emergency Communications Equipment
Requested Amount- $1,000,000
Intended Recipient -  George County, MS Board of Supervisors
Recipient Address - 329 Ratliff St. Lucedale, MS 39452
Request Explanation-The purpose of this project is to install communications equipment on a tower to eliminate major coverage “dead zones” and improve emergency communications for first responders in rural areas of Jackson County, Stone County, Perry County, and Greene County. The project will provide one set of communications equipment to attach to a communications tower, along with other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account, to expand coverage and strengthen the reliability of the statewide Mississippi Wireless Information Network used by law enforcement and emergency responders. Currently, gaps in communications coverage create “dead zones” where first responders may have difficulty communicating during emergencies. These limitations can delay coordination between agencies and slow response times when residents need assistance. By improving radio coverage and system reliability, this project will allow sheriff’s deputies, volunteer fire departments, and other first responders to communicate clearly and coordinate more effectively during emergencies. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because reliable communication is essential for public safety and effective emergency response. Expanding MSWIN coverage will help ensure that first responders can quickly share information, request assistance, and coordinate operations during critical incidents. Faster and more reliable communication can reduce response times and improve outcomes during fires, medical emergencies, natural disasters, and other urgent situations. The project will particularly benefit rural communities, where long distances and limited infrastructure can already slow emergency response. By eliminating communication gaps and strengthening the statewide network, this investment improves safety for both residents and the first responders who serve them.

George County Nexus Letter

Project Name - Memorial Multispecialty Center
Requested Amount- $5,000,000
Intended Recipient -  Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
Recipient Address - 4500 13th Street, Gulfport, MS 39501

Request Explanation- The Memorial Multispecialty Center (MSC) will be a multistory, mixed-use healthcare facility adjacent to Memorial Hospital at Gulfport offering new and expanded healthcare services in South Mississippi. The Center will accommodate several new and vital programs including a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center for pediatrics and adult specialty and subspecialty care, some of which are currently unavailable in our region. Currently, pediatric patients cannot be treated for many different illnesses in South Mississippi which requires thousands of patients and their families to travel out of state for treatment each year. The Center will provide the needed facility, components, and personnel to perform pediatric specialty, subspecialty, and outpatient surgical services in South Mississippi. To this aim, Memorial has partnered with other regional institutions to bring the needed expertise and providers for many of the new and expanded services within the MSC. Additionally, the Memorial Multispecialty Center will serve as the cornerstone of the planned South Campus which will eventually expand to include additional clinical and operational space to meet the needs of the community. Furthermore, the MSC will create approximately 200 high paying jobs and will help attract additional skilled practitioners to our area. Importantly, the MSC will serve the entire community, open to all providers and their patients whether they are part of our health system or another.

Memorial Hospital Gulfport Nexus Letter

Project Name - Jackson County Sheriff Operations Facility
Requested Amount- $5,000,000 
Intended Recipient - Jackson County Board of Supervisors  
Recipient Address - 2915 Canty Street, Pascagoula, MS 39567
Request Explanation- The proposed project will fund construction of a new Jackson County Sheriff’s Operations Building designed to meet long-term public safety and operational needs. The facility will include training space, dispatch operations, evidence and property storage, an armory, a secure enclosed sally port, and other equipment and/or necessary purchases which comply with the conditions of this account. The building will be constructed to meet all applicable jurisdictional, state, and federal safety and security standards, ensuring operational resilience, emergency preparedness, and adaptability over time. The new facility will be located adjacent to the County’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC), allowing for improved coordination between agencies before, during, and after severe weather events. Jackson County regularly faces hurricanes, tornadoes, and other significant weather threats, making efficient communication and coordinated emergency response critical to protecting lives and property. This project represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it strengthens local public safety infrastructure and enhances the county’s ability to respond to emergencies and disasters. A modern operations facility will improve coordination, training, and day-to-day law enforcement functions, ensuring the Sheriff’s Office can effectively serve residents and businesses across the county. The project will particularly benefit rural areas and low- to moderate-income communities within Jackson County where the Sheriff’s Office has primary jurisdiction. Several census block groups in these areas have LMI populations exceeding 50 percent, demonstrating the importance of ensuring reliable public safety services for these communities. By investing in updated infrastructure and operational capacity, this project will help ensure the Sheriff’s Office can continue providing effective, coordinated public safety services throughout Jackson County.

Jackson County Sheriff's Nexus Letter

Project Name - East Harrison County Storm Shelter
Requested Amount- $5,250,000
Intended Recipient - Harrison County Board of Supervisors
Recipient Address - 801 23rd Avenue, Gulfport, MS 39501
Request Explanation- The purpose of this project is to construct a 12,000-square-foot multi-purpose storm shelter to strengthen disaster preparedness and public safety in Harrison County. The facility will serve residents in the central and eastern portions of the county by providing a secure refuge during severe weather events such as hurricanes and tornadoes. Designed to withstand winds exceeding 200 miles per hour, the shelter will provide a safe and resilient location where families can seek protection during emergencies. It will also be the only pet-friendly emergency shelter in the county, allowing residents to evacuate safely with their pets rather than remain in unsafe conditions. In addition to its emergency role, the facility will serve as a year-round community and recreational space. The complex will include volleyball courts, pickleball courts, and a basketball court, supporting youth programs, community activities, and local tournaments. This dual-purpose design ensures the building remains an active and beneficial resource for residents even when it is not needed during emergencies. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it addresses a critical public safety need while also providing long-term community benefits. By creating a modern storm shelter, the project improves the region’s ability to protect residents during natural disasters and strengthens overall community resilience. At the same time, the recreational features promote health, wellness, and community engagement while creating opportunities for local events that can support economic activity. Overall, the project represents a responsible investment that improves safety, enhances quality of life, and provides a lasting asset for residents of Harrison County.

Project Name - Sumrall Public Safety, Communications and Community Shelter Project
Requested Amount- $5,000,000
Intended Recipient - Town of Sumrall
Recipient Address - : 880 HWY 589, Sumrall, MS 39482
Request Explanation- The purpose of this project is to develop modern public safety facilities that include a community storm shelter to better protect residents and strengthen emergency preparedness in Prentiss and surrounding areas of Jefferson Davis County. The project will provide a safe, accessible location where residents can take shelter during severe weather events and other emergencies, helping to address a critical gap in local public safety infrastructure. Many residents in the area currently do not have access to a nearby community shelter. The nearest facility is located nearly 30 miles away, making it difficult or impossible for many people to reach during emergencies. This project will provide a local shelter option for residents who may not have the resources to evacuate, construct private safe rooms, or travel long distances during dangerous weather events. In particular, the facility will serve vulnerable populations such as elderly residents and individuals with physical or mental impairments who may face greater challenges during evacuations. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it directly improves public safety and provides critical protection for residents during severe weather and emergency situations. By creating a safe and reliable shelter within the community, the project helps ensure that all residents—especially those with limited resources—have access to protection when disasters occur. In addition to improving safety for the town itself, the facility will also benefit nearby communities located within close proximity by providing services that are not currently available in the area. Overall, the project represents an important investment in community resilience, safety, and quality of life by ensuring that residents have a dependable place to seek shelter during emergencies.

Sumrall Nexus Letter

Project Name - Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood Infrastructure Improvements
Requested Amount- $5,000,000
Intended Recipient - City of Hattiesburg
Recipient Address - 200 Forrest Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Request Explanation- This project will fund the comprehensive replacement of aging sewer, water, and stormwater infrastructure within the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood. Much of the existing infrastructure in this area is outdated and has reached the end of its useful life, increasing the risk of water main breaks, sewer system failures, drainage issues, and costly emergency repairs. Replacing these systems will improve the reliability and safety of essential public utilities that residents and businesses rely on every day. The project will modernize underground infrastructure to meet current standards and better manage wastewater, drinking water distribution, and stormwater runoff. Upgrading these systems will reduce the likelihood of service disruptions, flooding, and environmental contamination while improving water quality and overall system efficiency. Improved stormwater infrastructure will also help mitigate localized flooding during heavy rain events, which is increasingly important as severe weather events become more frequent. Investing in modern utility infrastructure is a responsible use of taxpayer funds because it addresses critical public health and safety needs while preventing more costly emergency repairs in the future. Proactive replacement of failing infrastructure reduces maintenance costs, extends the life of the utility system, and ensures dependable service for residents. Additionally, modernizing these systems will support neighborhood stability and long-term economic vitality by preserving the livability and functionality of one of Hattiesburg’s historic residential areas. Overall, this project will strengthen essential infrastructure, protect public health, improve resilience to severe weather, and ensure that the Hattiesburg Historic Neighborhood continues to have reliable and efficient utility services for years to come.

Hattiesburg Nexus Letter

Project Name - Petal Wastewater Infrastructure Improvements
Requested Amount- $3,000,000
Intended Recipient - City of Petal, MS
Recipient Address - 119 W 8th Ave, Petal, MS 39465
Request Explanation- The City of Petal is requesting funding to modernize and strengthen its wastewater infrastructure to prevent a potential environmental and public health crisis. Currently, all of Petal’s untreated wastewater is transported through a single 16-inch pipe installed beneath the Leaf River in 1985 to the City of Hattiesburg for treatment. After nearly forty years of continuous use, this pipe is approaching the end of its expected service life and remains the sole conduit for wastewater from more than 11,000 residents, local businesses, and the Petal School District. If the pipe were to fail, the city could face a humanitarian emergency with no reliable way to transport wastewater for treatment, as well as the risk of untreated wastewater entering the Leaf River. The proposed project will install two new 18-inch sanitary sewer force mains beneath the Leaf River using trenchless directional boring, creating both a primary and redundant system to safely transport wastewater for treatment. The project will also upgrade the existing lift station and construct a new wet well, grit chamber, and effluent discharge structure to improve system capacity, reliability, and long-term performance. This investment represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it protects public health, safeguards an important natural resource, and ensures reliable wastewater service for the community. The improvements will reduce the risk of sanitary sewer overflows and prevent contamination of the Leaf River, a vital waterway and ecosystem enjoyed by communities throughout southeast Mississippi. Modernizing this infrastructure will also support population growth and economic development by ensuring that Petal has a dependable wastewater system capable of serving residents, schools, and businesses for decades to come.

City of Petal Nexus Letter

Project Name - Fire Station 7 Training Building & Emergency Quarters - Biloxi Public Safety Roofs & Generators
Requested Amount- $3,140,000
Intended Recipient - City of Biloxi, MS
Recipient Address - 140 Lameuse Street, Biloxi, MS 39503
Request Explanation- The City of Biloxi is requesting funding to strengthen the resilience and operational capacity of its public safety infrastructure through the construction of a new training and emergency support facility and upgrades to critical public safety buildings. The project will construct a new indoor training facility with emergency quarters at Fire Station No. 7 on Popps Ferry Road. This facility will provide the Fire Department with much-needed indoor training space to improve preparedness and response capabilities. It will also include emergency accommodations for public safety dispatchers, including bunkrooms, kitchen space, and shower facilities, allowing them to remain on-site during extended emergency or disaster operations when continuous staffing is required. Currently, dispatch personnel do not have appropriate facilities to remain on-site during major emergencies, hurricanes, or other prolonged incidents. Providing these accommodations will support the health, safety, and effectiveness of the personnel responsible for coordinating emergency response across the city. In addition, the project will upgrade generators and replace the roofs at two critical public safety facilities: the main Public Safety Building on Porter Avenue and the Communications/Dispatch Center on Popps Ferry Road. These upgrades will help ensure these facilities remain fully operational during severe weather events, power outages, and other emergencies when reliable communications and emergency coordination are most critical. This project represents a valuable use of taxpayer funds because it protects essential public safety services and ensures continuity of operations during disasters. By improving training capacity, strengthening facility resilience, and supporting the personnel who coordinate emergency response, the project will enhance Biloxi’s ability to respond effectively to emergencies and safeguard residents, visitors, and businesses.

Project Name - Diamondhead Sewer Rehabilitation Project Basin 1,4,6,&7
Requested Amount- $3,140,000
Intended Recipient - Diamondhead Water and Sewer District
Recipient Address - 4425 Park Ten Drive, Diamondhead, MS 39525
Request Explanation- The purpose of the Diamondhead Sewer Rehabilitation Project is to repair aging wastewater infrastructure and protect public health and the environment in Diamondhead. The sewer system, operated by the Diamondhead Water and Sewer District, is more than 55 years old and has deteriorated over time. This has caused sewer backups, pipe fractures, root intrusion, and overflows that can release untreated wastewater into neighborhoods and nearby waterways. The project will rehabilitate about 11 miles of sewer main in Basins 1, 4, 6, and 7 using Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) lining and targeted pipe replacement. It also includes replacing and lining several manholes to reduce rainwater infiltration and improve system reliability. These upgrades will help prevent sewer overflows, reduce strain on lift stations during heavy rain, and ensure wastewater is safely transported and treated. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it provides a cost-effective solution to a long-standing infrastructure problem. By using CIPP lining, the District can restore existing pipes without extensive excavation, lowering construction costs and minimizing disruption to residents. Investing in rehabilitation now helps avoid more expensive emergency repairs, property damage, and environmental cleanup in the future. The improvements will also help protect important nearby waterways, including the Jourdan River, Rotten Bayou, and the Bay of St. Louis, which connect to the Gulf of Mexico. By reducing sewer overflows, the project supports cleaner water, protects wetlands and wildlife, and strengthens the long-term sustainability of the community.

Project Name - City of Waynesboro 16" Water Main Replacement
Requested Amount- $4,000,000
Intended Recipient - City of Waynesboro, MS
Recipient Address - 714 Wayne St, Waynesboro, MS 39367
Request Explanation- The purpose of this project is to replace an aging drinking water transmission line that supplies the City of Waynesboro with reliable drinking water from the Hiwannee Water Association. Because heavy metals are present in the local groundwater, the City cannot rely on its own water sources and instead depends entirely on a 16-inch transmission line that runs more than 12 miles to deliver treated drinking water. This line, originally installed in the 1980s, has experienced frequent breaks and ongoing maintenance problems. Each failure interrupts the City’s primary drinking water supply and requires emergency repairs, creating service disruptions for residents, businesses, and public facilities. Since the entire community relies on this single line, repeated outages place significant strain on the system and can temporarily cripple the City’s ability to provide safe drinking water. Replacing the aging transmission line will improve the reliability and resilience of the City’s water supply system. A new line will reduce the risk of breaks, minimize costly emergency repairs, and ensure consistent delivery of safe drinking water to the community. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it addresses a critical infrastructure need that directly affects public health and economic stability. Investing in replacement now prevents more frequent and expensive emergency repairs in the future while protecting residents and businesses from major service disruptions. By securing a dependable water supply, the project helps safeguard the health, safety, and long-term sustainability of the Waynesboro community.

Project Name - The Center at Forrest County Emergency Staging Improvements
Requested Amount- $5,385,000
Intended Recipient - Forrest County Board of Supervisors
Recipient Address - 641 North Main Street, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Request Explanation- The purpose of this project is to upgrade and preserve The Center at Forrest County Multi-Purpose Facility so it can continue serving as a critical emergency operations center, disaster staging area, and storm shelter for residents of Forrest County and the surrounding region. Located in the Hattiesburg area near major transportation routes such as U.S. Highway 49, U.S. Highway 98, and Interstate 59, the facility is strategically positioned about 70 miles inland from the Mississippi Gulf Coast. This location allows it to support disaster response and recovery efforts across the region during hurricanes and other major emergencies. The facility has a proven record of serving the public during disasters. It played a vital role during Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Nate by housing emergency personnel, coordinating response efforts, and providing shelter and assistance to displaced residents and animals. For nearly three decades, it has served as a safe refuge and coordination hub for first responders, utility crews, and relief organizations responding to storms and other emergencies. This project will fund improvements and upgrades needed to keep the facility operational and safe for future emergencies. Without these improvements, the building could deteriorate to the point where it can no longer serve the community during disasters. Investing in these upgrades is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because the facility protects lives, supports emergency response, and strengthens disaster preparedness across south Mississippi. In addition to emergency uses, the center also hosts job fairs, graduations, agricultural events, and other community activities that benefit residents throughout the Hattiesburg region. With a large portion of the local population considered low- and moderate-income, maintaining this facility ensures that critical services, community programs, and emergency shelter remain available to those who need them most.      

Project Name - Eagle One Mega Site Water Infrastructure Improvements
Requested Amount- $4,000,000
Intended Recipient - Forrest-Lamar Alliance
Recipient Address - One Convention Center Plaza, Hattiesburg, MS 39401
Request Explanation- This project will fund critical water infrastructure and site development improvements for the Eagle One Mega Site, located in Forrest and Lamar Counties in south Mississippi. Eagle One is one of the state’s most promising economic development sites and has the potential to drive significant job creation and investment across the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area and the broader Pine Belt region. Funding will support key upgrades, including construction of a 1.5-million-gallon elevated water storage tank, installation of two high-capacity water wells, and development of a water treatment facility. These improvements will ensure the site has the reliable and scalable infrastructure required to attract large industrial and manufacturing employers. By addressing “speed to market” concerns, the project will make Eagle One more competitive for major economic development opportunities. The Hattiesburg region already benefits from strong assets, including major universities, a large military training facility, and regional healthcare providers, which together support a skilled workforce. However, a significant portion of the population still faces economic hardship, and the region lacks sufficient large-scale industrial employment opportunities to fully realize its economic potential. Investment in Eagle One represents a responsible use of taxpayer funds because it enables long-term economic growth, job creation, and increased private-sector investment. The site has the capacity to support industries that could employ residents across a wide geographic area, including low- and moderate-income individuals. By strengthening essential infrastructure, this project helps position the region to attract high-quality employers, reduce poverty, and expand the local tax base, ultimately delivering lasting economic benefits for Mississippi residents.

Project Name - Basila District Redevelopment Project
Requested Amount- $1,700,000
Intended Recipient - Forrest-Lamar Alliance
Recipient Address - 312 Green Ave, Leaksville, MS 39451
Request Explanation- The purpose of the Basila Development Infrastructure Improvements Project is to prepare a key commercial site for redevelopment in Leakesville, located in Greene County. The 4.83-acre property at 705 Main Street along Mississippi Highway 57/63 sits within the county’s primary commercial corridor but currently lacks the infrastructure needed to attract private investment and business development. This project will install the essential infrastructure required to make the site development-ready. Planned improvements include construction of an internal roadway system with a traffic circle and multiple access points, concrete sidewalks, traffic signage, and street lighting. The project will also install domestic water lines and fire hydrants, sanitary sewer mains and manholes, stormwater drainage systems, and underground conduit for future electrical service. Together, these improvements will create a modern, fully serviced commercial site capable of supporting retail, service, or other business development. This project is a valuable use of taxpayer dollars because it creates the foundation for long-term economic growth in a rural area where development opportunities are limited. By investing in infrastructure, the county can leverage private-sector investment, attract new businesses, and support job creation for local residents. New commercial activity will also generate additional sales tax revenue that helps fund essential public services such as roads, emergency services, and community programs. Improving this site will strengthen the economic base of Greene County while providing residents with more employment opportunities and access to goods and services closer to home. Overall, the project represents a strategic investment that positions the community for sustainable economic development and increased regional competitiveness.