Contact: Jim Laird
Photo by: Beth Wynn
STARKVILLE, Miss.--A new roadway is now open in the state's largest research park, and its completion sets the stage for expansion, according to Mississippi State University officials.
The new four-lane Technology Blvd. connects with U.S. 182 via Verner Hurt Blvd. just west of the Mississippi Highway Patrol's Troop G district office, and provides an additional entrance to the Thad Cochran Research, Technology and Economic Development Park near the Veterans Memorial Rose Garden.
"We expect to make significant progress on developing Phase II now that the new road is open and water, sewer and electrical infrastructure are in place," said Marc McGee, the director of the MSU Research and Technology Corporation, who manages the park.
Columbus-based Burns Dirt Construction, Inc. was the general contractor for the road's construction, which was funded by the Mississippi Department of Transportation and the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
Since opening in 1989, the park has grown steadily. Its 272 acres are home to 1,500 employees and nine buildings, McGee said.
Park tenants include private businesses, spin-off companies, government offices and research centers and institutes.
"We are very pleased that the new road is open, and believe that it will be an additional catalyst for the momentum we have in Cochran Research Park," said David Shaw, MSU's vice president for research and economic development.
"There is nothing else like the park anywhere in Mississippi, and it is a tremendous economic development asset for our state," he added.
The park is a joint venture between the City of Starkville, Oktibbeha County and MSU, with the university providing day-to-day management.
For additional information, please visit www.cochranresearchpark.com or contact McGee at mmcgee@research.msstate.edu or 662-325-9575.
Mississippi State is online at www.msstate.edu.