FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tammy Craft, Public Relations Associate 601.359.3449
tcraft@mississippi.org
Jackson, Miss. (August 14, 2009) – The U.S. Department of Energy has announced that the state of Mississippi will receive nearly $470,000 in order to improve state emergency preparedness plans and ensure prompt recovery and restoration from any energy supply disruptions.
The funds, which are part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), will be used by the state to hire or retrain personnel and increase the state's capability to address situations that may disrupt the electricity system, including: blackouts; hurricanes; ice storms and disruptions to heating supplies. The funds will also be used to help Mississippi address cyber security issues and prepare for the challenges of incorporating smart grid technologies and renewable energy sources into the transmission network.
"These funds will help ensure that we have effective emergency preparedness measures in place to protect our state's energy and utility infrastructure in the event of an emergency," said MDA Executive Director Gray Swoope. "In addition to helping protect our citizens, the funds will incorporate planning for smart grid and renewable energy technologies in which Mississippi can be a leader."
These funds are being provided to Mississippi in addition to other energy stimulus funds the state has received, and the program is separate from the state's other energy stimulus programs. To learn more about Mississippi's stimulus programs, please visit http://stimulus.mississippi.org.
###
About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. Nearly 300 employees are engaged in providing services to businesses, communities and workers in the state. While the agency is best known for its efforts to recruit new businesses to Mississippi, the Authority provides services to promote tourism, help communities improve their quality of place, help existing employers identify and meet opportunities and challenges and help workers improve their skills – all with the goal of improving the quality of life and economic well-being of Mississippians. For more information, visit MDA's website at www.mississippi.org.
