Two Mississippi natural gas projects receive PSC funding

Natural gas expansion projects in Mississippi’s Lowndes and Oktibbeha Counties were unanimously approved to receive $16.7 million in funds from the Public Service Commission (PSC) on Tuesday.

“Utility infrastructure is a key to Mississippi’s ability to win the jobs of the future,” PSC Commissioner Brandon Presley said. “This project is part of an 82-county jobs program for economic development at the PSC. These expansions will be a great benefit to the Golden Triangle. I deeply appreciate my fellow Commissioners working with me to get these projects funded.”

The project will equip two industrial sites with expansions that include new gas infrastructure, an addition that will create new jobs in the region.

“To be successful in the work we do it takes good partners like Atmos and cooperative utility regulatory offices,” Joe Max Higgins, CEO of the GTR LINK, said. “Parker Wiseman demonstrated great initiative in contacting Commissioner Presley to assist us with solving our gas issue.”

Funding for the projects comes from an economic development program established by the PSC called the Supplemental Growth Rider that seeks to encourage companies to develop gas industry facilities.

“This program is a ‘win-win’ for everyone involved,” David Gates, president of the division of incumbent utility Atmos Energy, said. “Under the program we will be able to invest millions of dollars in natural gas infrastructure in the Golden Triangle.”