September 18, 2025
PHOTO CAPTION: Thomas McElroy of Cooperative Energy; Lori Watts, President, MCDP; Matthew Ware and Anthony Harris of Pearl River Valley Electric. Watts is presented with the Site Invest Award.
The Marion County Development Partnership is proud to announce that MS-98 Industry Plex North has been awarded the prestigious Cooperative Energy SiteInvest Premier Property designation, recognizing its readiness and potential for industrial development. This designation places the MS-98 Industry Plex North among the top-tier properties in the state, a testament to the community's commitment to economic growth and development.
The MS-98 Industry Plex North, located in Marion County, is one of only eight sites across Cooperative Energy’s service territory to achieve this designation. This recognition comes after a thorough review process, including rigorous evaluation by third-party engineering experts, Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy's strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.
The MS-98 Industry Plex North was formerly referred to as the Marion Regional Airplex. The industrial park rebrand comes as a result of the master plan completed by Burns & McDonnell and supported by the SiteInvest program. The new name focuses on the broader potential uses of the industrial property and the proximity to four-lane Highway 98.
The development of the MS-98 Industry Plex North has been bolstered by significant financial support through Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority Site Development Program, and local investment. To date, over $1 million has been invested in proactive site development of the industrial park to enhance its infrastructure, improve site readiness, and ensure it meets the criteria for industrial development. These funds have been crucial in advancing the site through the tiers of the SiteInvest program, culminating in its designation as a Premier Property.
“This recognition is a testament to the collaboration and vision of our community,” said Lori Watts, executive director of the Marion County Development Partnership. “We are grateful to our allies at Cooperative Energy, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association and the Mississippi Development Authority for their support in these efforts. Earning the SiteInvest Premier Property designation signals to potential investors that Marion County is ready and serious about welcoming new industries and creating opportunities for our residents.”
Mitch Stringer, Cooperative Energy’s Director of Economic Development, added, “The investment in MS-98 Industry Plex North reflects a strong commitment from local leaders to prepare for future growth. Achieving SiteInvest Premier Property status demonstrates Marion County’s readiness to compete for transformative industrial projects, and Cooperative Energy is proud to support this progress.”
The SiteInvest program, launched by Cooperative Energy in 2023, is designed to improve the development of industrial properties within the service territories of Cooperative Energy's Members. The program aligns with Cooperative Energy’s broader economic development efforts, which include the Cooperative Competes grant program, aimed at fostering competitive industrial sites across the state.
About the MS-98 Industry Plex North
Recently rebranded, the MS-98 Industry Plex North is in Columbia, Mississippi just outside of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. One end of the industrial property is adjacent to Columbia General Aviation Airport; however, the site is outside of FAA control and not subject to aviation use restrictions. The 1,229-acre site has completed all environmental due diligence, all utilities are on-site, and various parcels are clear cut. For more information about the industrial park and available property see Sites and Buildings on this website.
About Cooperative Energy
Cooperative Energy is the generation and transmission partner for 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain more than 58,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to more than one million Mississippians throughout 55 counties.
The Marion County Development Partnership is proud to announce that MS-98 Industry Plex North has been awarded the prestigious Cooperative Energy SiteInvest Premier Property designation, recognizing its readiness and potential for industrial development. This designation places the MS-98 Industry Plex North among the top-tier properties in the state, a testament to the community's commitment to economic growth and development.
The MS-98 Industry Plex North, located in Marion County, is one of only eight sites across Cooperative Energy’s service territory to achieve this designation. This recognition comes after a thorough review process, including rigorous evaluation by third-party engineering experts, Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy's strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.
The MS-98 Industry Plex North was formerly referred to as the Marion Regional Airplex. The industrial park rebrand comes as a result of the master plan completed by Burns & McDonnell and supported by the SiteInvest program. The new name focuses on the broader potential uses of the industrial property and the proximity to four-lane Highway 98.
The development of the MS-98 Industry Plex North has been bolstered by significant financial support through Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority Site Development Program, and local investment. To date, over $1 million has been invested in proactive site development of the industrial park to enhance its infrastructure, improve site readiness, and ensure it meets the criteria for industrial development. These funds have been crucial in advancing the site through the tiers of the SiteInvest program, culminating in its designation as a Premier Property.
“This recognition is a testament to the collaboration and vision of our community,” said Lori Watts, executive director of the Marion County Development Partnership. “We are grateful to our allies at Cooperative Energy, Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association and the Mississippi Development Authority for their support in these efforts. Earning the SiteInvest Premier Property designation signals to potential investors that Marion County is ready and serious about welcoming new industries and creating opportunities for our residents.”
Mitch Stringer, Cooperative Energy’s Director of Economic Development, added, “The investment in MS-98 Industry Plex North reflects a strong commitment from local leaders to prepare for future growth. Achieving SiteInvest Premier Property status demonstrates Marion County’s readiness to compete for transformative industrial projects, and Cooperative Energy is proud to support this progress.”
The SiteInvest program, launched by Cooperative Energy in 2023, is designed to improve the development of industrial properties within the service territories of Cooperative Energy's Members. The program aligns with Cooperative Energy’s broader economic development efforts, which include the Cooperative Competes grant program, aimed at fostering competitive industrial sites across the state.
About the MS-98 Industry Plex North
Recently rebranded, the MS-98 Industry Plex North is in Columbia, Mississippi just outside of the Hattiesburg Metropolitan Statistical Area. One end of the industrial property is adjacent to Columbia General Aviation Airport; however, the site is outside of FAA control and not subject to aviation use restrictions. The 1,229-acre site has completed all environmental due diligence, all utilities are on-site, and various parcels are clear cut. For more information about the industrial park and available property see Sites and Buildings on this website.
About Cooperative Energy
Cooperative Energy is the generation and transmission partner for 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain more than 58,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to more than one million Mississippians throughout 55 counties.
Contact:
Lori Watts, President
601-736-6385
