Mississippians are hard-working and constantly seeking opportunities to better themselves, their families and their communities. One of my priorities is making Mississippi the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family, so I am committed to increasing economic development, improving infrastructure and investing in workforce training.

The Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC) has been a critical partner in helping to reach these goals and provides a unique partnership opportunity for Mississippi.

In 2020, Mississippi saw approximately $1.9 billion in capital investment, more than double the previous 10 years’ average of $900 million per year. Also in 2020, ARC invested $3.7 million, supported 19 projects, leveraged an additional $5.8 million in private investments, created or retained 1,160 jobs, and helped to train 225 students and workers in our state. Its impact has been huge.

As ARC moves forward with a new strategic plan, Mississippi is ready to double-down on securing better and higher-paying jobs, providing a trained workforce, securing property that is ready for private investment and job creation, and preparing communities within the Appalachian region for growth.

We are working to prepare Mississippians for the jobs of the next 50 years. Working with our community colleges and other partners, we are focusing on training the next generation of Mississippians so when they complete their college education, they will have access to a good paying job right here at home.

As a result of ARC funding, Northeast Mississippi Community College (NEMCC) was able to purchase medical equipment and supplies to outfit a hands-on training science laboratory that will prepare students for additional post-secondary education and/or high-technology careers in the medical and health care field. This investment by ARC also allows NEMCC to offer non-credit instruction to individuals seeking new skills that will enable them to earn higher wages, and to workers in the field seeking to enhance their skills and improve job prospects and salary.

A state is only as successful as its workforce, which is why it is of the utmost importance that we invest in our people to ensure they are prepared to take on the jobs of the future.

In training our people and preparing our communities for growth, we must provide them with a reliable infrastructure to attract businesses and increase job opportunities. We can do this by providing communities the tools they need through infrastructure grants.

My administration and ARC are committed to better positioning communities for success and growth. In Marshall County using ARC funds, we’ve invested in water, sewer and site improvements to assist in the creation of over 2,000 new jobs that paid over the average county salary.

ARC funding also will allow Marshall County to rebuild a one-mile stretch of road to support industrial growth in a local industrial park, where two firms have plans to build eight buildings that are expected to employ 1,200 people.

These projects are just a few examples of how Mississippi’s partnerships with ARC allow communities to leverage their assets for growth and attract higher paying jobs.

This work has helped create a multitude of new opportunities for Mississippians while also boosting the state’s economy. Despite the challenges brought on by covid-19, we made incredible progress growing our economy, preparing our workforce and taking the necessary steps to bring more jobs to Mississippi.

When we invest in our people and our communities, Mississippi continues to become a premier destination for companies to invest, which means that Mississippi can and will compete with the best this nation has to offer.

Tate Reeves is the Republican governor of Mississippi.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)