Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians receives $12 million in federal grants to expand economic development drivers

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Key points

• News Adriana Morga, Associated Press, Wyatte Grantham-Philips, Associated Press October 9, 2026.
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• Another $1.9 million will be applied for the ongoing construction of the Tribe's Workforce Training Center and the necessary acquisition of training equipment.

Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians receives $12 million in federal grants to expand economic development drivers. By: Jeremy Pittari – October 9, 2026. Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben remarked the funding represents another step forward in creating opportunities for his residents. The grants will go to two projects – a new 200-acre industrial park and the completion of a workforce training center.

Grant awards totaling just over $12 million provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration will be applied to build new economic development drivers in Choctaw, Mississippi.

Notably, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will employ the federal funding to build a new 200-acre industrial park and complete and equip a new vocational training center.

"This grant represents another step forward in creating opportunities for our individuals. We have run out of industrial property, and this investment gives us the infrastructure to bring industry to Choctaw lands and create jobs for our community, " remarked Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben.

Most of the grant funding, almost $10.7 million, will be employed to support pay for the installation of infrastructure in the new industrial park, to include roads, water and sewer systems, and storm drainage features.

State Rep. Donnie Bell (R), chair of the Mississippi House Workforce Development Committee, remarked he is pleased to see the project promote the area for development by putting the infrastructure in place.

"The $1.9 million commitment to help train to our workforce, that's tremendous, " Bell continued. "I just see it as a win, win for Mississippi, especially anytime we can get federal dollars to help offset costs."

Specialized equipment is required to effectively train the workforce in the center. Focus fields include HVACR, electrical, welding and other trades at present in high demand.

"With our lately opened education facilities and ongoing job training programs, we are putting the pieces together to fulfill our goal of self-determination. We appreciate the U.S. Economic Development Administration continuing to have confidence in the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, " Ben continued.

"These awards will help fuel business expansion, create jobs, and attract private investment across the American Southeast, " Page remarked.

In practice, a groundbreaking for the new industrial park is projected sometime next year. Regarding the Author(s).

Jeremy Pittari is a lifelong resident of the Gulf Coast. Born and raised in Slidell, La., he moved to South Mississippi in the early 90s. Jeremy earned an associate in arts from Pearl River Community College and went on to attend the University of Southern Mississippi, where he earned a bachelor's of arts in journalism. A week after Hurricane Katrina, he began an internship as a reporter with the community newspaper in Pearl River County. After graduation, he accepted a full-time position at that news outlet where he covered the recovery process post Katrina in Pearl River and Hancock Counties. For almost 17 years he wrote concerning local administration, education, law enforcement, crime, business and a variety of other topics. Email Jeremy: [email protected].

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In short, mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians receives $12 million in federal grants to is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.