Dr. Malcolm Portera, the former Mississippi State University president and chancellor for the University of Alabama System gave an update Friday on how Kemper County is moving ahead with his economic development recommendations from a February meeting in DeKalb.

    “I think once the (Tuesday) elections are done up there, I think you are going to see some things heat up with activity,” Portera said. “My son (Andy) and I have been back and forth up there with the leadership there for the better part of three months. They are moving on the notion of solidifying their industrial park.”

    The proposed industrial park is a big part of improving the county’s infrastructure.

    Portera was the panel facilitator at Friday’s East Mississippi Business Development Corporation’s 19th annual meeting at the MSU Riley Center.

     Eight months ago, Portera and his son, Andy, gave a presentation of their firm’s “Kemper County: A Strategic Investment Plan,” before a crowd of 300 concerned Kemper Countians at the Barney Brown Senior Citizens Building in downtown DeKalb.

    The small county north of Meridian is poised to see an influx of capital as Mississippi Power Company’s Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle Facility is set to be operational in 2016.

    The plant is expected to pump $12 million of tax-based revenue into Kemper County, according Johnny Whitsett, president of the Kemper County Board of Supervisors.

    Portera’s plan cited eight recommendations for economic investment.     The areas include:

    1. Intergovermental Cooperation and Collaboration.

    2. Fiscal Responsibility.

    3. Education.

    4. Infrastructure, roads and information communication technology.

    5. Economic Development.

    6. Recreation.

    7. Community Appearance.

    8. County Advocacy.

    Craig Hitt, executive director of the Kemper County Economic Development Authority said in February that the plan was ambitious, but necessary if Kemper County wants to sustain the spark of potential economic growth created by the start of production from Mississippi Power’s new $6.4 billion capital project.

    Portera said his plan has seen some strides, in large part, to Hitt and EMBDC President and CEO Bill Hannah’s efforts.

    Portera said he is focused on longer range goals for Kemper.

    “We really need to look at Highway 45 and its link to Meridian in terms of industrial investment,” Portera said. “That makes a whole lot of sense along that Highway 45 corridor.”

    A focus on this area would benefit both Kemper and Lauderdale County and Portera is supportive of Hannah’s focus to this area.

    “Bill Hannah has been working with Craig (Hitt) in Kemper,” Portera said. “In fact, we have a project right now that focuses on a certain segment of the industrial area. Bill and Craig see this as a hand feeding the other, working together. It will be benefit both, and Newton, Neshoba and so forth.”