FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 13th, 2022
New FedEx Ground Facility Under Construction at I-59 Supply Chain Park
HATTIESBURG, Mississippi – Local Officials in the Pine Belt announced today that FedEx Ground is constructing a new 217,000 square foot distribution facility located within the I-59 Supply Chain Park adjacent to Interstate 59 at the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport. The facility will employ a mix of full – and part-time employees that will adjust with seasonal demand.
FedEx Ground will be the largest facility to date located in the I-59 Supply Chain Park joining Ashley Furniture, NoTrax, and Flowers Bakery. This development will continue to propel advancements in the Park and allow for the area to further become a regional logistics hub for the Pine Belt.
This project announcement, along with the continued development of the I-59 Supply Chain Park, is a result of a strategic partnership between Forrest County and Jones County. For several years the counties have partnered together to make the I-59 Supply Chain Park more competitive for distribution projects. In this strategic interlocal agreement, each county shares equally in both the development costs and general tax revenue generated from projects in the Park.
The success of the I-59 Supply Chain Park is only possible due to the regional approach taken by the Jones County Board of Supervisors and Forrest County Board of Supervisors in partnership with the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority Board. This strategic partnership, along with support from local utility allies like Cooperative Energy, Dixie Electric Power Association, and Spire Energy allows this team to work together to ensure the success of entire region. The Jones County Economic Development Authority and the Area Development Partnership serve as the joint project leads for economic development projects in the Park, and this project represents the culmination of years of work between each of these parties.
Johnny Burnett, President, Jones County Board of Supervisors, states “We are excited to see FedEx Ground open a new facility in the I-59 Supply Chain Park. The strategic partnership between Jones County and Forrest County and the Airport Authority has led to the success of the I-59 Supply Chain Park. We are looking forward to the continued economic prosperity of the region through this partnership.”
David Hogan, President, Forrest County Board of Supervisors, adds “The announcement that FedEx Ground is opening a facility in the I-59 Supply Chain Park is not only a major win for Forrest County but also the entire region. The partnership among Forrest County, Jones County, and the Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority has played a pivotal role in making the I-59 Supply Chain Park what it is today. We are excited to see continued success in the Pine Belt.”
Bill Ray, Chairman, Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport Authority Board, expressed “The I-59 Supply Chain Park is an excellent location for companies looking to extend their footprint in the Gulf South, and we are thrilled that FedEx Ground has chosen to open a new facility here. There have been significant site development efforts over the years to prepare the property for new projects. FedEx Ground choosing to locate here will only continue to spur economic activity in the Park.”
The new facility is currently under construction along Superior Drive in the Park and is slated to begin operations in late 2022.
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The Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport (PIB) serves a ten-county region from its convenient location just off Interstate 59 between Hattiesburg and Laurel and is South Mississippi’s gateway to the world. The Airport offers both commercial and general aviation services. In addition, the Airport offers an attractive on-site Business Park.
The Economic Development Authority of Jones County (EDA) is a public-private partnership. Established by a special act of Mississippi Legislature in 1983, the leadership of EDA is provided by a twenty-two member volunteer Board of Directors. Thirteen board members are appointed directly by the county, cities, and towns within Jones County, Mississippi. Nine board members are elected by the membership, with nominations received annually. Ten board members serve on the Executive Committee. An Advisory Committee composed of twenty business and civic leaders meets with the Board of Directors monthly to provide counsel and expertise.
The Area Development Partnership (ADP) serves as the regional Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development organization in Greater Hattiesburg, MS. The ADP’s mission is to stimulate economic growth and enhance the well-being and quality of life for all area citizens. For more information, contact the ADP at 601.296.7500 or visit www.theadp.com.
ADP Contact: Todd Jackson
Executive Vice President
Area Development Partnership
t.jackson@theadp.com
601.606.6479
HLRA Contact: Tom Heanue
Executive Director
Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport
tom.heanue@flypib.com
601.545.3111
Jones County EDA: Ross Tucker
President & CEO
Economic Development Authority of Jones County
rosst@edajones.com
601.842.9771
