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During the Tuesday, March 3, 2026, Board of Aldermen meeting, Mayor Purdie addressed the growing community concerns surrounding a potential development in the Clinton Industrial Park:

There is substantial and understandable public interest in a recently approved project in the Clinton Industrial Park. While some construction activities to rehabilitate the building have begun, the project developer is in ongoing negotiations about some aspects of the project, which is why no public announcement has been made. While there are limits on what may be shared at this point, the city does want to address a few of the concerns that have been raised.

Many of the concerns seem to stem from the recent news coverage regarding the xAi project in Southaven, MS and the associated noise and air pollution complaints. The project proposed in Clinton is fundamentally different. The Southaven project involves a new, temporary power plant installed using dozens of gas turbines for generating electricity. As we understand it, these turbines run constantly and are responsible for those noise and air concerns. The proposed Clinton project does not involve a power plant and will use power supplied by Entergy through the existing power grid, negating the concerns seen in Southaven. The proposed location is deep within an established industrial area, well removed from residential neighborhoods. This project would be subject to the same standards and expectations as the other industrial and manufacturing operations currently operating in the industrial park.

Additionally, concerns have been raised regarding the potential for this project to affect electric utility rates. The Legislature has enacted regulations protecting rate payers from bearing costs associated with this type of project. With respect to other utilities, this project will use no potable water for cooling purposes. In operation, the only potable water consumption will be to support standard office administration, i.e. restrooms and breakrooms.

It has also been suggested that the city will realize little economic benefit from this project. Nothing could be further from the truth. This will be the largest economic development project in the history of the City and Hinds County and will inject millions of dollars per year directly into not only the City of Clinton’s budget, but also additional millions yearly into the budget of the Clinton Public School District, as well as that of the county. It cannot be overstated the effect these revenues will have on the city and school district’s ability to enhance our quality of life and education, and to strengthen the services we provide to our citizens.

While many of the concerns raised are certainly understandable, particularly in light of situations in other places, please rest assured the top priority of everyone in city government is, and always will be, our citizens. Most residents, when assessing the extensive benefit to our city and schools, will recognize this project as a massive economic development victory which will propel Clinton into our next prosperous chapter.