U.S. Rep. Travis Childers Friday announced a $1.2 million Economic Development Administration grant to promote economic growth and development in Lowndes County.
The funds will be used to construct roads and related infrastructure for a hotel and commercial development project in Columbus, which is expected to create about 318 jobs and represents $31.9 million in private investment.
“I am extremely pleased that EDA has invested in North Mississippi by helping attract more industries and promote economic growth and development throughout the region,” said Childers, D-Miss. “These funds will create jobs throughout Lowndes County by improving critical infrastructure and expanding business. During today”s tough times, this is a prime example of the kind of project that will spur growth and put North Mississippians back to work.”
The road access improvements include projects at the intersection of Sixth Street North and 18th Avenue North, and construction of a “land bridge with a pedestrian walk” connecting traffic from Sixth Street North to hotels and a conference center on an 11-acre development, said Malinda Matson, congressional affairs specialist with the U.S. Department of Commerce”s EDA.
The new private investment also will support job creation for graduates of East Mississippi Community College”s hotel and restaurant management program, representatives of Childers noted.
Construction is under way on a 90-room Fairfield Inn and Suites at the site and construction on a 110-room Courtyard by Marriott hotel is expected to begin in June or July; the Fairfield Inn and Suites likely will open in January, said developer Mark Castleberry.
The site also will house up to four restaurants, which are expected to open this year.
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