PICAYUNE — A project first imagined more than three decades ago is moving forward in Pearl River County. Construction is underway on the Pearl River County Technology Park across from the Picayune Municipal Airport — a development local leaders say will give residents better access to well-paying jobs close to home. 

The park’s first two buildings are expected to open by 2026. Over time, the full 10-building site could employ up to 450 people, said Lindsay Ward, director of economic development for the Pearl River County Economic Development District. 

“By the public actually owning that property, we can leverage that opportunity to recruit industries, to recruit those high-paying jobs … that actually make a significant investment in our community,” Ward said. 

Economic impact and target industries 

The Pearl River County Technology Park is a $2.4 million investment designed to attract higher-paying jobs and diversify the local economy. About 80% of its cost will be covered by grants, with the rest from Gulf Coast Restoration funds and county matches. 

Planned tenants include businesses in aerospace, health care, distribution, plastics and polymers, light manufacturing, and the “blue economy,” which refers to industries connected to oceans and coastal areas. 

Ward said that while each of the 10 buildings is expected to employ 15 to 45 people, the impact goes beyond direct hiring. Higher salaries and support industries can boost the area’s economy, she said. 

Polymers remain a priority along the Gulf Coast, and the park’s proximity to the Mississippi Polymer Institute in Hattiesburg strengthens its appeal for that sector.  

Its location — with nearby highways, rail access and the Picayune airport — also positions it for light manufacturing and smaller facilities aimed at stabilizing supply chains disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Why Picayune, and why now 

Plans for the technology park date to the 1990s, but the project stalled for years without a champion to move it forward. Ward said earlier county leaders had the foresight to set aside the 30-acre site for development but lacked someone to carry the project until recent years. 

Momentum grew in 2021 when Pearl River County teamed up with Partners for Pearl River County and the Southern Mississippi Planning and Development District.  

The groups transferred ownership of the site to the county, and since then officials have worked with state and local leaders, the Mississippi Development Authority and the City of Picayune to outline funding and secure support. 

Part of what kept the vision alive was Picayune’s location. The site is on Runway Road across from the Picayune Municipal Airport — about 50 miles from both New Orleans and Gulfport, and a short drive from Stennis Space Center. 

Bryce Lott, Pearl River County’s District 5 supervisor, said companies working with Stennis may find the park a cost-effective alternative to leasing space on federal property.

“These private companies can go off-site at a lower cost to do some of the work that doesn’t have to be done on-site,” he said. 

Ward said many industries prefer locations with quick access to airports and transportation corridors, as well as buffer zones for research or testing. 

“The more diverse offerings you have, the better you are positioned,” she said. 

Jobs and opportunity 

For many residents, the technology park is a sign that better employment options may soon be within reach. 

Rebekah Jackson, a Pearl River County native, said she has watched many people graduate and leave because of limited opportunities. 

“I want to see it grow, and I want to see these great job opportunities come to this area,” she said. 

Jackson said limited exposure to certain industries makes it harder for people to secure well-paying jobs. 

“We really have to do a better job of educating K-12 students and then just the general population about what opportunities there are out there,” Jackson said. 

Lott agreed, saying he has seen the impact firsthand with his parents driving outside the county for work. But he said awareness of opportunity is growing. 

“The stars have kind of started to align for Pearl River County,” Lott said.

Charting a path forward 

With site development nearly complete, contractors have started building the first two structures — Pearl River County Tech Buildings A and B. Utilities such as water, wastewater, electricity and natural gas will be provided by the City of Picayune, the Pearl River County Utility Authority and Coast Electric Power Association. 

Ward encouraged residents to follow the project’s progress by attending public meetings. 

“The more we have that people understand and know what we have going on, the more interest that’s generated and the more opportunities we have for companies that want to bid on projects like this,” she said. 

Jackson said she is hopeful the new park will deliver steady employment. 

“I’m excited for the opportunities for some of these companies to come in and be able to employ people in our area,” she said.