District 13 state Sen. Sarita Simmons of Cleveland recently hosted an informational meeting for local mayors at the Cleveland-Bolivar County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Mississippi Development Authority (MDA).
The meeting focused on Senate Bill 2578, legislation authored by Simmons and signed into law by Gov. Tate Reeves. The new law provides $10 million to assist municipalities with populations of 10,000 or less to meet the required local matching funds needed to compete for state and federal grant opportunities.
“This legislation is a game changer for our small municipalities because it provides the matching funds many communities need to qualify for state and federal grants,” said Simmons. “These funds will strengthen economic development and expand access to grant opportunities for small communities throughout the Mississippi Delta.”
In addition to discussing Senate Bill 2578, the session highlighted a variety of state and federal grant programs that support infrastructure improvements, economic development and community services. Representatives from the MDA provided information, resources and guidance to help mayors identify available funding opportunities, better understand grant requirements and pursue investments that will strengthen their communities and improve the quality of life for their citizens.
“Too often, communities have identified critical projects but lacked the financial resources needed to provide the local match required to qualify for state and federal grants,” Simmons said. “This small municipalities grant program removes that financial barrier by helping communities secure the matching funds necessary to successfully compete for grant funding. It opens the door for small municipalities to pursue projects that will strengthen their communities, improve infrastructure, and enhance the quality of life for the people they serve.”
Simmons encouraged local leaders to take full advantage of the new funding opportunities and emphasized the importance of strong partnerships between state agencies and local governments to ensure small municipalities are well-positioned to compete successfully for grants, improve infrastructure and attract meaningful investments that create long-term economic growth for communities across the Mississippi Delta.
