Wicker: Mississippi Has Momentum

Economists like to say that "growth begets growth." That has certainly been the story of Mississippi for the past few years. Businesses of all sizes have opened or expanded locations across the state. Our grade schools, colleges, and universities have been equipping a 21st century workforce and performing cutting-edge research. I have helped secure funding for road, rail, and broadband networks that enable the flow of commerce. Each positive step has led to another. These kinds of developments attract nationwide brands and create jobs and opportunity for Mississippians statewide.

In my work on the U.S. Senate Commerce and Armed Services committees, I have advocated for legislation that taps into this momentum. I regularly meet with business executives and national defense officials to show them what Mississippi has to offer. That work has borne fruit.

An Investment Record

This year, we welcomed the largest private investment in state history. Amazon Web Services (AWS) chose to establish a massive new data center in Mississippi - a $10 billion initiative that will build 16 structures on 1,700 acres. Construction will employ thousands, and the center will host hundreds of jobs.

AWS's decision shows that companies value our business-friendly laws, low cost of living, and improving infrastructure. Our state's elected officials and business leaders also stepped up to facilitate the development. They passed economic incentives, increased energy levels at the site, and established a workforce training program.

The project also makes use of a little-known asset. We sit at the intersection of multi-state fiber cables running north-south and east-west, making Mississippi a natural location for more data centers like AWS's. These sites power new technologies that are in high demand, such as artificial intelligence. Other companies are likely to follow AWS's lead and make use of our prime real estate.

State is a National Defense Hub

Our state is also leading in other ways. In May, I published a national defense plan called 21^st Century Peace Through Strength. My proposal is a call to shore up the might of the United States military so that our increasingly powerful adversaries do not move against us. It is clear to me that Mississippi will play a major role in that effort to fortify American security.

Mississippians have an impressive record of stepping forward for military service. Members of the state's National Guard have been stationed around the world, and we host a number of active-duty installations. Others have been working to give service members the tools for their mission. One of our shipyards is building a polar icebreaker for the Coast Guard, and another was recently awarded a contract to make four amphibious ships for our Navy.

In the last few years, a number of other defense technology organizations have chosen our state. Along the Gulf Coast, three autonomous systems companies - Ocean Aero, Integer Technologies, and Skydweller Aero - have set up shop. Two solid rocket manufacturers - Anduril and Evolution Space - have either launched or expanded their operations. Further north, longstanding Mississippi locations of Raytheon, General Electric, Airbus, Hyperion, and Camgian have continued bringing jobs and innovation to our communities.

Mississippi's major research universities are benefiting from and helping attract this high-end defense technology production. Over the past year, each institution has increased collaboration with industry and military officials.

All of this promotes our national security and our state's commerce, and it does even more. It sets in motion a cycle of growth that attracts more business, creates high-paying jobs that keep our young people in-state, and raises the quality of life for all Mississippians.

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