POPLARVILLE — Pearl River County is building a new industrial park that officials say could transform the local economy and create long-term job opportunities for residents. 

The county purchased 130 acres just off Interstate 59 using $1.6 million from the Gulf Coast Restoration Fund — part of the BP Settlement Fund — along with $400,000 from the county. Officials say the project is one of the county’s more significant investments in decades.

“This is a generational project,” said Pearl River County Economic Development Director Lindsay Ward. “This is something that will impact the Pearl River County and Poplarville residents for generations — and our surrounding region.” 

New beginnings  

The site, formerly a wood chip mill, was purchased by the county in May 2022. It had been abandoned since 2008, according to Ward. She said Pearl River County had previously been reactive to projects. 

Board of Supervisors President Malcolm Perry said industrial development has been a goal since he took office in 2014 but was delayed due to a lack of “site-ready” land to attract investors.  

“We just don’t have that much industry here in the county,” Perry said. “You go anywhere surrounding us — Hattiesburg, Slidell, New Orleans — and there’s plenty of industry and plenty of jobs, but nothing here in the county.”  

So far, $10.6 million has been awarded to support the new facility, with funds coming from the state, Mississippi Development Authority and utility partners. Roughly 84% of that total is grant-funded. 

“It’s just a dream come true, really, for our county” Perry said. “I hope that we can land some good industry here that would … keep our kids from leaving, bring jobs — plus bring revenue to the county.”

Crews are currently working on two projects: one focused on grading, drainage and base improvements within the park — including three “pad-ready” lots for future industries — and another on widening Highway 26 to improve drainage and truck access. 

“We are approximately 50% complete with both construction contracts,” said Les Dungan, Pearl River County engineer. “We’ll be close to 100 % by the end of this year. Some of the touch-up items will extend into 2026.” 

Ward said the county plans to recruit industries in aerospace, the blue economy, distribution, polymers, advanced manufacturing and healthcare. 

Park offers more options for local workers 

Poplarville resident Brooke Wiltshire said she hopes the project allows more residents to live and work locally rather than commuting long distances.  

“When you have both parents working outside of the home and having to travel … childcare and commute costs — it just becomes a large burden,” Wiltshire said. 

She believes stable, local industries are key to retaining young workers and keeping money circulating in the community. 

“If I can’t find a job in my community or I have bigger opportunities in a surrounding community, depending on where, what industry I’m in and where that is, I may have no choice but to leave,” she said adding that when county and state officials work together, and residents express their concerns, more positive changes can happen in the area. 

Creating high-paying jobs locally 

Ward said the industrial park could be transformative for Poplarville, offering higher-paying jobs and more opportunities closer to home. 

She said different industries have varying needs when looking for sites. Some companies may need 50 acres to employ a few hundred people, while others might need only 15 acres for about 100 jobs — a range she described as a “sweet spot” for the county. 

Currently, about 700 people in the county work in manufacturing jobs with average annual earnings of $55,000. Ward said the park’s goal is to expand those opportunities to a wider range of workers. 

“The quality of life that we’re also bringing with this project — that’s more time that these people can stay at home. They can be with their children. They can invest in the community,” Ward said. 

She added that the average wage across Pearl River County is roughly $33,000, meaning the park could raise income levels for many residents. 

“If you can imagine the average Pearl River County resident being able to make almost 50% more than what they are currently making — and being able to do it here in their community — that’s huge,” she said.

Perry said the new industries could also encourage graduates from Pearl River Community College to stay in the area rather than leaving for jobs elsewhere. Ward agreed, noting that PRCC — located about a mile from the site — will play a key role in workforce development. She said the college has already partnered with the county to provide on-the-job training and upskilling programs.  

Planning for future growth 

The industrial park’s location offers easy access to interstates, major highways, ports and airports, with utilities readily available for new tenants. 

Dungan said plans will include a green space for employees to relax during breaks — part of an effort to improve workplace quality and attract long-term investment. He added that the county’s environmental plan offers storm water treatment and detention systems to help filter and control before it reaches downstream water. 

“(It’s) to improve the work environment for the people that are employed here,” Dungan said. 

Officials say new industries will also help balance the county’s tax base, easing the financial burden on homeowners. 

“If you had (more) industry, it would just take some of the burden off of the taxpayers,” Perry said. “It gets old if you have to keep raising taxes on the homeowners.” 

Perry said he hopes the project will make Pearl River County one of the state’s fastest-growing regions.  Ward said she expects the industrial park to be fully developed and operational within five years, once industries begin to move in.