INFRASTRUCTURE

Sarah understands that a strong and reliable infrastructure is critical for Mississippi's future growth and prosperity. She believes that infrastructure projects should focus on strengthening the state's economy, creating jobs, and improving the quality of life for its citizens. She views infrastructure investment not just as a tool for economic development but also as a vital element in ensuring the state’s competitiveness in attracting businesses and retaining talent. Whether it’s building better roads, improving rural broadband access, or modernizing water systems, Sarah is committed to supporting practical, fiscally responsible infrastructure initiatives.

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From her experience working on a $55 million multi-specialty real estate development, Sarah knows firsthand the challenges and opportunities involved in infrastructure projects. She believes in promoting public-private partnerships that reduce government waste and leverage private sector efficiency. By working with local governments and businesses, Sarah sees an opportunity to create tailored infrastructure solutions that address Mississippi's unique needs without overburdening taxpayers. She advocates for targeted investments that maximize returns and serve both urban and rural communities.

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Sarah understands the importance of prioritizing infrastructure legislation that supports long-term, sustainable growth while minimizing federal overreach. She believes that empowering states with more control over infrastructure decisions will allow for greater efficiency and accountability. Her approach would emphasize reducing unnecessary regulations and focusing on projects that have a clear return on investment. By ensuring that Mississippi’s infrastructure keeps pace with modern demands, Sarah is committed to building a stronger foundation for future generations, without compromising fiscal responsibility.

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1. Expand Rural Broadband Access

• Proposal: Invest in public-private partnerships to expand broadband access in rural areas of Mississippi. Leverage state and federal funds, such as those available through the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Rural Digital Opportunity Fund, to ensure more residents can access high-speed internet.

• Implementation: Collaborate with private internet service providers to build necessary infrastructure. Offer tax incentives to providers willing to invest in underserved areas. Streamline permitting processes to encourage faster deployment of broadband infrastructure.

• Expected Impact: Improved access to broadband would enhance educational opportunities, facilitate telemedicine (especially crucial for rural healthcare access), and boost economic development by enabling businesses to operate more efficiently in remote areas.

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2. Modernize Mississippi’s Roads and Bridges

• Proposal: Prioritize investment in repairing and upgrading critical roadways and bridges, with a focus on major highways and rural bridges that connect agricultural areas to urban markets. This could be funded through a mix of state bonds and federal matching funds from the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act.

• Implementation: Create a transparent state-level infrastructure task force to assess and prioritize projects. Use public-private partnerships to fund larger projects while ensuring competitive bidding processes for contracts. Emphasize innovation by using new materials and technologies to reduce long-term maintenance costs.

• Expected Impact: Safer, more reliable transportation infrastructure would reduce vehicle repair costs for citizens, lower transportation costs for businesses (especially in agriculture), and create thousands of construction jobs, boosting the local economy.

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3. Strengthen Ports and Waterways for Economic Growth

• Proposal: Invest in upgrading Mississippi’s ports and inland waterways, particularly the Mississippi River, to enhance the state’s role as a transportation hub for agricultural products, oil, gas, and manufacturing.

• Implementation: Secure federal and state funding for deepening port channels and upgrading loading facilities. Partner with private investors and companies that rely on river and ocean shipping to co-fund improvements. Implement dredging projects to maintain navigability and ensure that waterways can support increased traffic.

• Expected Impact: Improved port infrastructure would attract more shipping traffic, expand the state’s export capacity, and generate additional tax revenue. It would also create jobs in construction, logistics, and transportation, contributing to long-term economic growth.

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4. Upgrade Water and Sewer Systems

• Proposal: Address Mississippi’s aging water and sewer infrastructure by targeting investments in cities and rural areas that have faced chronic issues, such as boil-water advisories and inadequate wastewater treatment. Use federal funds from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) along with state resources.

• Implementation: Direct funds toward the most critical areas identified through engineering assessments. Encourage cost-effective upgrades through competitive contracts and performance-based funding. Facilitate public-private partnerships where private companies manage water infrastructure under strict state oversight.

• Expected Impact: Improved water and sewer systems would ensure safer drinking water, reduce public health risks, and attract businesses that require reliable water access. This would also prevent costly emergency repairs, saving taxpayers money in the long run.

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5. Enhance Energy Infrastructure for Economic Growth

• Proposal: Improve Mississippi’s energy infrastructure by focusing on reliable, affordable energy sources. This would involve investing in natural gas pipelines and power grid upgrades to reduce power outages and attract energy-intensive industries, such as manufacturing.

• Implementation: Streamline permitting processes for natural gas infrastructure projects. Collaborate with the private sector to modernize the grid, ensuring it can handle increased demand. Utilize state tax credits to encourage energy companies to invest in grid resilience, renewable energy, and cleaner natural gas production.

• Expected Impact: A more robust energy infrastructure would support economic growth by reducing energy costs for businesses, attracting manufacturers to the state, and preventing costly blackouts. It would also create high-paying jobs in the energy sector and strengthen Mississippi’s competitiveness in attracting businesses.