Contact: Sammy McDavid
Researchers with the John C. Stennis Institute of Government are beginning the final phase of a $300,000 federally sponsored project to help the state's smaller municipalities make themselves more attractive to private investors.
Through the "Building Self Reliance Project," the Mississippi State University-based institute has been gathering information about the needs of Mississippi towns of less than 10,000. Researchers also developed computer software and other information resources dealing with water and wastewater financing issues that soon will be available at no cost to municipal leaders.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture is funding the self-help project.
"Unfortunately, many Mississippi towns do not have the knowledge or financial resources to expand or improve existing water systems," said institute executive director Marty Wiseman. "Because of this, they are limited in their abilities to attract new residents and economic development.
"This project is designed to help them become more financially viable and attractive to both potential residents and investors," he added.
Beginning this week, Stennis Institute researchers will hold six statewide meetings with municipal leaders to demonstrate the financial- and risk-assessment software packages.
"In addition to software, our team has developed a resource manual to educate officials about water-related issues," said research assistant Samantha J. Steeber. "Among other things, it includes information on available grants and loans, technical briefs on state and federal laws and regulations, and results from a statewide survey we conducted."
Also included are a listing of personnel at the Mississippi departments of Environmental Quality and Health to contact for assistance with water-related problems, Steeber said.
The meetings will be held Tuesday [Nov. 10] in Tupelo, Thursday [Nov. 12] in Meridian and Friday [the 13th] in Perkinston. The remaining schedule includes Clarksdale on Nov. 19, Ridgeland on the 20th and Starkville on the 23rd.
For additional information on the project, telephone Wiseman or Steeber at (601) 325-3328.