Forward Mississippi
Forward Mississippi materialized when four counties collaborated to develop a Mega Site for industrial development and work jointly on the completion of the MS Hwy 44 extension for an additional east-west thoroughfare through their part of the State.
The Forward Mississippi Counties are located along the horizontal state line bordering Southeast Louisiana. Practically centered due north of I-12 and directly south of I-20, with US 84 and US 98 providing direct access to I-55 and I-59, with New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Jackson, MS, and the Mississippi Gulf Coast all less than a 90-minute drive.
The Forward Mississippi Region covers 1,798 square miles and has a population base of 67,000. However, over 700,000 people are within a 60-minute driving distance (including several Louisiana parishes) providing the ability to fill the workforce needs of nearly any size company.
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Forward Mississippi is a joint effort by four Mississippi counties:
Marion
Lawrence Jefferson Davis Walthall Since a large portion of Jefferson Davis was once Lawrence County and parts of Lawrence County were once Marion, and the same is the case with a large part of Walthall, it's easy to see the logical progression of Forward Mississippi. 
The area’s rich agricultural history, from cotton farming, dairy and poultry production, to the abundant pine harvesting, have changed over the years.
Forest land and the natural resources necessary for continued success in the timber industry is the backbone for much of the development and jobs created. Monticello is home to Georgia-Pacific (a subsidy of Koch Industries), the Monticello Mill employees nearly 500 people directly, as well as some 200 private contractors and is in the midst of a $300 Million dollar expansion. The Jones Companies started here and have expanded greatly over the years. Other forest related industries call this area home and continue to grow. |
