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MDA: support for data centers is conditional on local backing, utility involvement and statutory criteria
Summary
Mississippi Development Authority director Bill Cork told the task force MDA supports data‑center projects only when three conditions are met: local community backing, the certificated utility’s involvement, and qualification under statutory incentive criteria; he also described the special‑session AWS package and the $215 million loan authorization.
Bill Cork, executive director of the Mississippi Development Authority, told the task force that MDA’s role is not to unilaterally grant or withhold tax policy. "MDA support for data center projects is conditional," Cork said, listing three requirements: clear local community support, an engaged certificated utility, and that the project meet the statutory thresholds for data‑center incentives.
Cork defended the legislature’s special‑session deal for AWS as a distinct, deliberate structure that included a loan authorization to local governments. He said the legislature authorized Madison County to borrow up to $215,000,000 for roads, water and sewer — including about $171,500,000 for sewer — repaid in part by fees the company pays the county in place of taxes. Cork also put long‑term local revenue estimates into context, saying projected revenue to Madison County and local school districts over 30 years is roughly $5,000,000,000.
Cork repeatedly stressed that MDA applies the legislature’s statutory criteria and does not create exceptions; if the task force wishes to change the criteria, that is the legislature’s prerogative. He urged the public to seek information from commission dockets and agency proceedings when examining utility rate impacts rather than relying on competing press releases.
