FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Tammy Craft, Public Relations 601.359.3449
tcraft@mississippi.org
Jackson, Miss. (July 15, 2010) – The Mississippi Development Authority (MDA) recently awarded 30 grants during the second – and final – round of the Mississippi Job Protection through Energy Economic Development Program. Part of the State Energy Program (SEP) funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA), the Job Protection Program allocated $5.31 million to eligible companies in this round.
“Mississippi is continuously looking for unique ways to become a more energy-efficient and energy-independent state,” said Gray Swoope, MDA executive director. “This program has helped companies of all sizes – in all areas of the state and in a wide range of sectors – become more energy-efficient and lower utility costs. In time, the efforts taken by these companies to become more energy-conscious will not only retain jobs, but they will also create new jobs.”
Under the Job Protection Program, eligible companies can install energy-efficient upgrades and retrofits, such as lighting, HVAC, industrial systems and other items, yielding significant energy and cost savings. Grantees represent a cross-section of Mississippi's business community: small businesses, large manufacturers, minority and woman-owned firms from around the state. These companies are expected to see a combined estimated annual energy savings of nearly $3.5 million.
Through ARRA, the SEP provides $40.4 million to Mississippi for programs related to energy- efficient buildings, market transformation and technology deployment and job protection through energy economic development. In Mississippi, the SEP provides assistance to both public and private entities to move the state toward greater energy efficiency, energy independence and sustainability while creating and preserving jobs in the state.
To view a full list of grant recipients, select Round Two Recipients or for more information about this or other energy–related stimulus programs, visit http://stimulus.mississippi.org.
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About Mississippi Development Authority
Mississippi Development Authority is the State of Mississippi's lead economic and community development agency. More than 250 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.
