HANCOCK COUNTY INDUSTRIAL PROPERTY EARNS COOPERATIVE ENERGY SITEINVEST PREMIER PROPERTY DESIGNATION

September 22, 2025

Kiln, MS – Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission is proud to announce that Port Bienville Industrial Park has been awarded the prestigious Cooperative Energy SiteInvest Premier Property designation, recognizing its readiness and potential for industrial development. This designation places Port Bienville among the top-tier properties in the state, a testament to the community's commitment to economic growth and development.

Port Bienville Industrial Park, located in Hancock County, is one of only eight sites across Cooperative Energy’s service territory to achieve this designation. This recognition comes after a thorough review process, including rigorous evaluation by third-party engineering experts, Burns & McDonnell, as part of Cooperative Energy's strategic initiative to enhance industrial property readiness.

The development of Port Bienville Industrial Park has been bolstered by significant financial support through Cooperative Energy’s Cooperative Competes grant program, the Mississippi Development Authority Site Development Program, state and federal site development programs, and local investment by Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission. To date, nearly $23 million has been invested in proactive site development of the industrial park to enhance its infrastructure, improve site readiness, and ensure it meets the criteria for industrial development. These funds have been crucial in advancing the site through the tiers of the SiteInvest program, culminating in its designation as a Premier Property.

“Receiving the SiteInvest Premier Property designation for Port Bienville Industrial Park is a significant milestone for Hancock County. This recognition highlights the strengths of Port Bienville and positions our community as a key player in attracting major industrial investment and creating new opportunities for our region.”

- Blaine LaFontaine, Executive Director of Hancock County Port and Harbor Commission

The SiteInvest program, launched by Cooperative Energy in 2023, is designed to improve the development of industrial properties within the service territories of Cooperative Energy's Members. The program aligns with Cooperative Energy’s broader economic development efforts, which include the Cooperative Competes grant program, aimed at fostering competitive industrial sites across the state.

“The SiteInvest Premier Property designation of Port Bienville Industrial Park is a crucial step in making Hancock County a more attractive location for industrial investments. The substantial grant funding invested here underscores our commitment to supporting communities in our service areas as they prepare for and attract significant economic opportunities.”

Mitch Stringer, Cooperative Energy’s Director of Economic Development

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About Port Bienville Industrial Park

Port Bienville Industrial Park (PBIP) has more than 3,600 acres of available property for development with access to shallow draft barge and shortline rail. PBIP is home to 14 leading companies carving out exceptional success across diverse sectors. Port Bienville connects tenant operations to ports along the Gulf Coast Intercoastal Waterway, including the Port of New Orleans, opening Mississippi River routes and deep-water global access. PBIP’s shortline rail connects to CSX which offers access to virtually the entire Eastern U.S., while heavy-haul trucking roads move goods to multiple connections including Interstate 10, Interstate 12, Interstate 59 and U.S. Highways 49 and 90 for nationwide coverage. For more information about the industrial park and available property visit https://cooperativeenergy.com/economic-development/port-bienville/

About Cooperative Energy

Cooperative Energy is the generation and transmission partner for 11 Member-owned electric distribution cooperatives. Known as the Power of 12, Cooperative Energy and its Member cooperatives work together to provide safe, reliable, and affordable power from the Mississippi Delta to the Coast. The 11 electric cooperatives own and maintain more than 58,000 miles of distribution lines and provide service to more than one million Mississippians throughout 55 counties.