Mississippi continues to post impressive economic numbers. Since 2000, our output has skyrocketed, rising from $66 billion to $122 billion in 2024. Last year, our economy grew faster than those of California, Texas, or New York. In the last 5 years, we have grown faster than in the previous 15.

These big picture trends have practical benefits for families and businesses. Between July 2024 and 2025, only one other state saw higher real wage growth. In other words, Mississippi salaries are rising much faster than inflation. We attract both startup businesses and major corporations. A number of companies recently expanded their Mississippi operations. They know firsthand what we have to offer, and they want more.

Mississippi’s success is an all-hands-on-deck mission. Everyone plays a part in sustaining these positive steps. It is worth noting one crucial element of our state’s success: our transportation networks.

We sometimes take for granted our roads, bridges, railways, airports, and inland waterways, but they are building blocks of strong economies. They connect businesses to consumers. In Congress, I speak with local and state leaders who are working to improve transportation in their communities. I look for ways to bring federal grants to these initiatives. Together, we help pave the way for growth across our state. 

Connecting Mississippi to the World

This summer, Mississippi welcomed over $21 million for more than 50 airport improvement grants. The funds flowed from Congress’ 2021 bipartisan infrastructure law, which I helped negotiate when I served as the top Republican on the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. Airports in every corner of the state will be able to improve runways, lighting, signage, and terminals.

In September, officials at the Trent Lott International Airport kicked off construction on an $8.7 million dollar enhancement project. Senator Hyde-Smith and I fought for these funds, which will lead to lighting improvements, a taxiway, and a parking apron—the concrete area where planes park and passengers board.

This is not to mention the ongoing upgrades at airports around the state. All these efforts are an investment in our future. They integrate our cities into the web of commercial air traffic that crisscrosses the country.

Road Improvements Facilitate Growth

Likewise, our ongoing roadway improvements set up Mississippi for decades of growth. Up and down the state, teams are constructing the roads that we will use for years to come. Many projects are ongoing, but I was glad to celebrate two notable milestones this year in Madison County and Hattiesburg.

Last month, Madison residents welcomed the latest phase of the Reunion Parkway initiative. A bridge now spans Interstate 55, connecting Bozeman Road to Parkway East. To the south in Hattiesburg, the community celebrated the completion of two overpasses on the increasingly bustling Hall Avenue. For several years, I have partnered with community leaders to bring these projects to fruition. Because of this work, commute times will decrease and commerce will increase.

The Return of Gulf Coast Rail

Tourism will continue to play a prominent role in our state’s economy. On a sunny day this August, Amtrak service returned to the Gulf Coast. The rail line has been a rousing success. Demand has shattered expectations. Amtrak officials even added weekend capacity to accommodate traffic around Saints games. The line has carried over 46,000 passengers, and these travelers have given it the highest satisfaction rating of any Amtrak route.

These initiatives depended on collaboration from officials at all levels of government, from private business leaders, and from numerous community members. We are all committed to increasing jobs, quality of life, and commerce in our state. I am eager to see the new heights we reach in the coming year and beyond.