CCEDD trustees quarterly meeting report

CCEDD hears report on CSWS plans at Gallman

 

Plans for CSWS to utilize the former Universal building in the Copiah Industrial Park at Gallman were explained at the quarterly meeting of the Copiah County Economic Development District held January 25 at the Thames Center at Copiah-Lincoln Community College in Wesson.

CSWS, LLC is a Houston, Texas firm with principals Billy Hines, Mark and Freddie Williams that intends to clean, process and ship sand for use in the oil and gas industry’s fracking process in partnership with Krystal Gravel of Crystal Springs.

Economic impact is expected to be purchase of equipment and supplies in Mississippi, employment of 100 or more around the plant plus employment of  a large number of truck operators to haul the sand.

Because the company is willing to remodel the plant, insure and maintain it plus the economic impact, a nominal lease was accepted by the Copiah County Board of Supervisors in the signed agreement.

CCEDD Executive Director Arthur Lee Evans, Jr. also reported that he is visiting the Copiah municipalities to thank them for their support of the district and offer the services of the district them.

Evans reported that DG Foods is working to solve contract issues and expects to call workers back as soon as the problems are worked out.

Renee Marble of SouthPark Sports Complex was introduced to the trustees and advisory board as a principal in the proposed Panther Ridge Business Park to be located on 40-acres of land in Hazlehurst’s industrial park on its south interchange. The sports plex portion of the facility would include an indoor performance training, health and fitness facility in addition to eight outdoor playing fields for league and tournament baseball, softball, soccer and football. A walking track, bike trail, playgrounds, ropes and disc golf course are a part of the plan which would be open to the community. The concept also envisions a motel, travel center and other out parcels.