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Coast lawmakers press MDA on Gulf Coast projects and GCRF handling
Summary
Senator Wiggins challenged MDA officials on perceived underinvestment on Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, saying local leaders see little return; MDA replied with a list of projects it said it helped land and emphasized partnership with local economic developers.
Senator Wiggins questioned MDA about the agency’s work along Mississippi’s Gulf Coast, asking why so few projects of consequence have landed "south of Hattiesburg" and saying his constituents and local development authorities were unhappy with MDA’s performance.
"Why should I sign on to your requests where nothing of consequence gets landed to the south of Hattiesburg by MDA?" Wiggins asked.
Bill Cork responded that perception does not match MDA’s records and listed recent coastal projects and partnerships that he said involved the agency: Relativity Space; investments tied to Ignition Park in Hancock County; a major chlorine plant project in Harrison County; and terminal work in Jackson County, which he said involved several partners including Chevron and local development foundations. Cork said MDA’s role is to develop sites, coordinate workforce and offer incentives so communities are ready when companies consider locations, not to unilaterally “pick” where companies must go.
The exchange also touched on the Gulf Coast Recovery Fund (GCRF) and the advisory process that preceded MDA’s recommendations to the governor. Cork said he submitted a 109‑page packet of original applications and advisory council scoring but acknowledged messaging and process concerns on the coast.
Wiggins said his letter on GCRF and MDA’s approach "opened up some wounds" and repeated his offer to meet offline; the hearing closed the MDA portion and moved to another agency.
The subcommittee did not vote on any GCRF or MDA actions during the session.
