New, expanded facilities top $3.3 billion in 2003

The Mississippi Development Authority has released the final tally of new and expanded facilities announced in the state in 2003. There were 739 new and expansion projects unveiled, creating an estimated 12,907 new jobs and representing an estimated capital investment of approximately $3.37 billion.

There

were 198 new projects announced, creating an estimated 6,332 new jobs and an estimated capital investment of approximately $1.65 billion. The largest new project announced, in terms of the estimated capital investment, were Choctaw Gas Generation, LLC, in Chester ($425 million), Cogentrix Energy Inc. in Caledonia ($250 million), Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Biloxi ($225 million) and Colony Crossing in Madison ($60 million).

There were 541 expansion projects announced, creating an estimated 6,575 new jobs and an estimated capital invdstment of approximately $1.62 billion. The largest expansions were Baptist Memorial Hospital-DeSoto in Southaven ($175 million), Northrop Grumman Ship Systems in Pascagoula ($169 million), Northrop Grumman Ship Systems/Avondale in Gulfport ($78 million) and Mississippi State University in Starkville (approximately $67.75 million).

The MDA also released new and expanded facilities announced in January 2004. There were a total of 30 projects announced, creating an estimated 970 new jobs and an estimated capital investment of approximately $97.32 million. The largest new project announced was Textron Fastening Systems Inc. in Greenville at $35 million, and the largest expansion plan unveiled was Rolls-Royce Naval Marine Inc. in Pascagoula at $18 million.