Investments in Pearl River County

Total Allocated: $3.9 Million

Supported By: Federal Directives

Status: In Progress

Project Description: This project has previously received both Federal and State funding to build an emergency operations center. Pearl River County, MS has in recent years been faced with increasingly severe weather-related incidents from tornados, hurricanes, and catastrophic flooding that has led to an unacceptable loss of life and increased hardship for thousands of residents in the County. Currently, the County seeks to build an Emergency Operations Center, a place for residents to shelter in times of emergency. The Pearl River Country Emergency Operations Center (EOC) would include restrooms, meeting and training breakout spaces, technology upgrades, and a dedicated, large floor space to house individuals and, increasingly, pets and other animals that often accompany families to storm shelters during weather-related emergencies. This enhanced EOC will serve as the joint operations center and primary point for residents across Pearl River County to evacuate to, while also serving as an important training center for emergency personnel. Once funds are acquired, this shovel ready project is ready to being immediate construction. The County has also applied for state directed funding for this project and has committed $1.6 million in County funds.

Federal Award: $750,000

Supported By: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Sen. Roger Wicker, Rep. Mike Ezell

Status: In Progress 

Project Description: Through federal funding support, Pearl River County is investing in updated emergency management technology and equipment designed to improve situational awareness and response coordination. These upgrades will enhance the capabilities of the county’s Emergency Operations Center by providing modern tools that allow public safety officials to better monitor events, communicate across agencies, and support rapid decision-making during critical incidents and disasters.

Federal Award: $1.1 Million

Supported By: Rep. Mike Ezell, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Sen. Roger Wicker

Status: In Progress 

Project Description: This funding will allow for a more integrated rapid-response systems between the Sheriff department and other law enforcement agencies. Additionally, this request will fund the installation of body scanners at public buildings, many of which have had issues with unauthorized access incidents that have caused problems for public officials attempting to conduct official business at these buildings.

Total Allocated: $2.25 Million

Supported By: GCRF State Legislative Funding

Status: In Progress

Project Description: The Pearl River County Technology Park concept has been in development since the 1990’s with former development groups, primarily Partners for Pearl River County, championing the effort to bring technology-related businesses to the City of Picayune. In 2021, Pearl River County partnered with Partners for Pearl River County and Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District to transfer ownership of the technology park site to Pearl River County. Since then, Pearl River County has worked with the State of Mississippi, local legislators, the Mississippi Development Authority, the City of Picayune and other economic development partners and allies to create a development plan for the technology park to create an environment suitable for advanced technology and aerospace-related entities. Groundbreaking for the technology park took place on 7/29/25 and project completion is expected by 2027.

Total Allocated: $10.8 Million

Supported By: MDA, Cooperative Partnerships, GCRF State Legislative Funding

Status: In Progress

Project Description: This project supports continued development and infrastructure improvements at the Pearl River County Industrial Park to strengthen the county’s ability to attract new business and industrial investment. Strategic improvements to site infrastructure, utilities, and development-ready property will help position the industrial park as a competitive location for manufacturing, logistics, and other job-creating industries. By preparing sites and expanding the park’s capacity for future development, Pearl River County is creating opportunities to attract private investment, support workforce growth, and diversify the local economy. The industrial park serves as a key component of the county’s long-term economic development strategy, providing space for businesses to locate and expand while helping create quality jobs and increased economic activity that benefits residents and communities throughout the region. region.

Supported By: Rep. Mike Ezell, Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, Sen. Roger Wicker

Status: In Progress

Project Description: After several years of effort to restore permanent postal services in Poplarville, the Poplarville Post Office has been relocated to a new facility that is currently undergoing renovation. The project represents the culmination of continued advocacy and coordination among local leaders, federal officials, and community partners. Congressman Mike Ezell played a key role in advancing the project by working directly with the United States Postal Service and advocating for a permanent solution for Poplarville residents and businesses. Once renovations are complete, the new facility will provide improved working conditions for postal employees and reliable service access for the community. The renovated post office is expected to reopen to the public in 2026, restoring an important service for the region and supporting continued growth in Poplarville and surrounding areas.

Total Allocated: TBD

Supported By: TBD

Status: Planning

Project Description: The Walkiah Bluff Weir Rehabilitation Project will restore and strengthen an important water control structure along the Pearl River. Improvements to the weir will help support water level management, protect nearby natural resources, and enhance the durability of the structure for years to come. The project represents an investment in maintaining critical infrastructure while supporting the environmental health of the surrounding area.