WASHINGTON – Hancock County and the Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission has received a grant of $1,642,000 from the Economic Development Administration (EDA), Sens. Thad Cochran and Roger Wicker said today.  The funds will be used to make railway improvements to help serve new businesses locating in the Port Bienville Industrial Park.

Sen. Cochran said: “As Mississippi competes for jobs in the global economy, we must ensure that we are taking steps to make our state an attractive place to do business.  These funds from the Economic Development Administration will increase transportation connectivity and generate job growth in South Mississippi.  As this part of our state continues to rebuild, creation of new jobs and retention of old ones have become even more critical.”

Sen. Wicker added: “Repairing and strengthening infrastructure in South Mississippi is essential to the success of ongoing rebuilding efforts.  These federal dollars will fund rail improvements and help bring new jobs and economic growth to Hancock County.  I am glad the federal government has taken this step to continue its investment in South Mississippi’s recovery.” 

The grant was administered by EDA, a division of the U.S. Department of Commerce.  It was established to work with states and localities to generate new jobs, retain existing jobs and stimulate industrial and commercial growth in economically distressed areas of the United States. 

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