The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) has selected 9 projects in Mississippi to receive funding under the FY2025 State Economic and Infrastructure Development (SEID) program. This grant program is designed to revitalize communities and spur economic development across counties in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.

The FY 2025 SEID program funds projects that align with priorities identified in SCRC’s authorizing statute, Five‑Year Strategic Plan and State Economic Development Plans.

Mississippi projects were awarded over $3.9M. All nine projects are located in distressed communities, and eight projects (89%) are infrastructure projects. The program invests in water and sewer upgrades, workforce training and transportation improvements across seven counties.

The nine Mississippi grantees are:

• Highway 80 & Fountain Road Sewer Project – City of Forest

The $519,625 Highway 80 and Fountain Road Sewer Improvements Project, supported by $413,700 in SCRC funding, will rehabilitate 5,000 feet of aging sewer lines and 20 manholes serving three major employers, four commercial sites and six homes. As Phase III of Forest’s wastewater plan, it will reduce overflows, protect 1,500 local jobs and strengthen critical infrastructure for the future.

• Highway 80 Water Main Replacement – City of Newton

The $354,395 Highway 80 Water Main Replacement Project, supported by $283,516 in SCRC funding, will replace 2,600 feet of failing 1960s‑era 2‑inch line with a new 6‑inch PVC main and install three fire hydrants to serve three businesses and six residences. This project will improve water pressure, reduce costly breaks and boil‑water notices, provide critical fire protection and strengthen Newton’s aging water system.

• Water Line Replacement in Downtown – Town of Decatur

The Town of Decatur’s downtown water‑infrastructure project, with $430,000 in grant funding, will replace aging water mains to improve service reliability, support local businesses and East Central Community College and enhance public health. This investment will strengthen community resilience, stimulate economic growth and provide lasting benefits.

• Archusa Dam Repair – Pat Harrison Waterway District

The Archusa Dam Repair Project, supported by $600,000 in SCRC funding, will construct a cofferdam to restore Archusa Lake, revive park revenue, protect jobs and strengthen community resilience in Quitman and Clarke Counties.

• Meridian Community College Transportation Technology Center – Meridian Community College

Meridian Community College’s $1,344,850 Transportation Technology Center (TTC) project, supported by $475,000 in SEID funding, will renovate a facility to provide hands‑on training in diesel, automotive and aviation maintenance for East Mississippi, addressing critical workforce shortages. Partnering with nine local employers, the TTC will prepare students for high‑demand careers, support 159 new jobs and leverage $32.9 million in regional investment.

• Neshoba County West Industrial Park Access Road – Neshoba County

The $1,062,728 Neshoba County access‑road project, supported by $475,000 in SCRC funding, will open 85 acres of industrial‑park land for business recruitment and expansion, creating jobs and stimulating $2.5 million in private investment per $1 million spent. This critical infrastructure will strengthen regional connectivity, support workforce development and promote long‑term economic growth and community resilience in East Central Mississippi.

• City of Morton Sewer Rehabilitation Project – City of Morton

The City of Morton Sewer Rehabilitation Project, totaling $554,777 with $441,733 in SCRC funding, will upgrade aging wastewater infrastructure by repairing and replacing sewer lines, manholes and related systems. The project will improve public health, ensure reliable service for residents and businesses and support long‑term economic and community resilience.

• Antioch Road Widening/Extension Project – George County Board of Supervisors

The Antioch Road Widening/Extension Project in George County, Mississippi, is an $800,000 initiative with $600,000 in SCRC funding to improve a 4,000‑foot roadway, enhancing access to schools, businesses and community venues. This project supports economic growth, public safety and community resilience while serving as a critical first step in a larger connector‑road plan.

• The Dean Griffin Memorial Airport Fixed Base Operator (FBO) – Stone County Board of Supervisors 62E

The Stone County FBO project will construct a new $250,000 facility, including $200,000 in grant funding, to modernize airport operations, support aviation‑related careers and enhance emergency‑response capabilities. This investment addresses critical infrastructure gaps while driving economic growth, workforce development and regional resilience.

For more information about the SEID Grant program and SCRC, please visit scrc.gov.

About the Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC)
The Southeast Crescent Regional Commission (SCRC) is a federal-state partnership authorized in the 2008 Farm Bill to promote and encourage economic development in areas of Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, and all of Florida. SCRC invests in projects that support basic infrastructure, business development, natural resources, and workforce/labor development. SCRC’s mission is to help create jobs, build communities, and improve the lives of those who reside in the 428 counties of the seven-state region.