Natchez Inc. recently held a groundbreaking ceremony marking the commencement of the final phase of construction for the levee surrounding the Belwood industrial site. This project represents a significant milestone in local infrastructure development and a step toward addressing flooding concerns in Adams County. With a total investment of $7.0 million, the project has been years in the making and is now entering its final stage.
The upcoming phase involves closing the levee around the Belwood property and constructing necessary drainage infrastructure. This part of the project is a major undertaking, requiring $3.8 million of the total $7 million allocated. Key funding partners include $2 million from the Mississippi Legislature, $1.9 million from the Delta Regional Authority, $1.9 million from the Mississippi Development Authority, and $1.2 million from Velocys, a United Kingdom-based company with big plans for the site.
The Belwood site, once home to the Belwood Country Club, has been under option by Velocys since 2021. The company intends to develop a sustainable aviation fuel plant on the property. Velocys’ financial contribution to the levee project has been instrumental in bringing it closer to completion. Over the past five years, the Belwood property has generated $1.2 million for Adams County, in addition to the levee funding.
“We are excited to locate our project in Adams County and look forward to the positive impact our facility will have on the local economy through partnerships in the community and the creation of jobs for the area,” said Jeff McDaniel, Vice President of New Projects for Velocys.
Local officials also expressed their enthusiasm for the project’s progress. Kevin Wilson, President of the Adams County Board of Supervisors, said, “On behalf of the Adams County Board of Supervisors, we are happy to get this last phase of this major infrastructure project underway. We wish Velocys success as they work to add more high-paying jobs to the area and keep our young people here.”
Chandler Russ, Executive Director of Natchez Inc., highlighted the importance of the project for the region. “There’s an old saying in real estate: ‘They aren’t making any more land,’ and that’s even more true when it comes to Mississippi Riverfront property. But you can take the land you have and make it better. Once completed, this will be the best 110-acre site on the Mississippi River, period. We’re excited to see how Velocys progresses but equally excited to be able to market this site in the future.”
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