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Council approves resolution to formalize economic ties with Scenic Rivers Development Alliance
Summary
The Tangipahoa Parish Council adopted a resolution to foster cooperation with the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, a Mississippi regional economic-development entity, emphasizing communication and coordination but not fiscal transfers.
The Tangipahoa Parish Council on April 28 adopted a resolution to foster economic-development cooperation with the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, an interjurisdictional entity that represents several counties and the city of Macomb, Mississippi. The council voted 10–0 to approve the resolution after a presentation by alliance representatives.
Joseph Parker, executive director of the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance, described the organization’s history and purpose: to coordinate economic-development efforts across county lines so the region competes more effectively for state and federal funding. Parker said the alliance’s origins date to 1978 and noted a 2018 legislative action that recognized the development alliance as a political subdivision of Mississippi.
"We’re just looking forward to the opportunity to pass this resolution," Parker told the council, adding that the resolution is intended to open lines of communication and does not swap dollars between jurisdictions. "Again, there’s no vote that you’re swapping dollars tonight. We’re not trying to do anything like that," he said.
Nick Gagliano (introduction role in the meeting) said Tangipahoa Parish staff had been working informally with Scenic Rivers, including website and marketing support, and that formalizing a relationship could help the parish coordinate responses to large industrial recruitment or regional events.
Council members said the arrangement is intended to prioritize Tangipahoa Parish when possible while allowing coordinated regional action when projects cross state lines. After discussion, Mr. Joseph moved to adopt the resolution and Mr. Synagra seconded; the roll call recorded 10 yes votes and the resolution passed.
Why it matters: The resolution creates an official, nonbinding channel for interjurisdictional communication. Presenters and council members emphasized that the measure does not commit parish funds; rather, it creates a formal relationship for information sharing and joint outreach on economic development.
Ending: Councilmembers recorded broad support for the measure and asked staff to continue coordination with the Scenic Rivers Development Alliance.
