Grant and Loan Programs in Mississippi

Development Infrastructure Grant

The Mississippi Development Authority administers the Mississippi Development Infrastructure Program (“DIP”) that is designed to make grants to counties and municipalities to finance small infrastructure projects to promote economic growth throughout the State.  The infrastructure project must be directly related to the construction, renovation or expansion of a new or expanded industry in Mississippi.  The projects financed with DIP funds must be publicly owned and include, but are not limited to:  drainage systems, energy facilities, sewer systems, transportation facilities directly affecting the site, water supply systems, marine structures and land improvements.

Economic Development Highway Grant

The Economic Development Highway Act is administered by MDA and is designed to assist political subdivisions with highway projects that will encourage private companies to engage in high benefit economic development projects.  The purpose of this program is to promote industrial and other development in the State through the construction and improvement of highways in areas that demonstrate actual and immediate potential for the creation or expansion of economic development projects.

Industrial Access Road Grant

The Mississippi Department of Transportation, with the assistance of MDA, administers the Mississippi Industrial Access Road Program.  This program is designed to encourage and promote industrial growth by providing access roads to industrial developments.  Under this program MDOT and MDA work closely with local governments in the construction of links to highways or roads necessary to connect new and existing industrial sites to adequate roads.

Freight Rail Service Grant

The Freight Rail Service Grant Program is designed to make funds available to counties and municipalities to assist in defraying some of the costs associated with upgrading railroad services to promote industrial development.  Projects must be approved by MDOT.

Community Development Block Grant Program

MDA is responsible for the allocation of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) funds.  CDBG funds are available to help communities provide and ensure decent housing, basic community services, environmental quality and economic opportunities for their residents.  Certain funds are available to units of local government for infrastructure improvements that promote economic development.