Grenada, Mississippi Issured BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass

(Bioeconomy Development Opportunity Zone Initiative) The Greater Grenada Partnership and Ecostrat are pleased to announce the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Woody Biomass, extending a 75-mile drive distance from Duck Hill, MS.

Grenada’s BDO Zone ‘A’ rating denotes high prospective viability of feedstock supply chain and infrastructure, and low expectations of default risk in the Zone. The region features strong capabilities to accommodate new biobased plant operations, supported by a legacy of private forest ownership and forest operations that contribute to the local bioeconomy. Two prime greenfield sites ideal for biobased development are located within the Grenada County, Business and Development Park North, which was recently awarded $4.3 million for development. These sites offer all utilities, access to rail, road, and air transportation, as well as ample land for expansion and storage.

“I am proud to stand behind this prestigious ‘A’ rating for the Grenada region, validating its abundant reserve of pulpwood-ready forest feedstock.” Stated Matthew Harrison, President/CEO, Greater Grenada Partnership. “These BDO Zone ratings serve as invaluable tools, empowering local economic development agencies and communities to transparently showcase feedstock and infrastructure-related strengths, thus magnetizing fresh biomass development opportunities to our doorstep.”

Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative added, “Grenada’s ‘A’ rating underscores their proactive approach to sustainable development, opening up new avenues for leveraging their abundant woody biomass. Boasting nearly 2 million bone dry tons and top-notch infrastructure, Grenada stands as an ideal location for biobased development.”

To see the full BDO Zone Rating for Grenada, Mississippi please click here, or visit www.bdozone.org.

About Grenada

Grenada, Mississippi, is a proactive community dedicated to fostering biobased industry development, welcoming businesses to leverage its reliable woody biomass resources. In partnership with Highland Grenada LLC, the first Bio-Fuel Energy Project is underway at the Highland Pine Bluff Industrial Site. The Grenada County Business and Development Park North offers two prime greenfield sites, situated at the junction of Interstate 55 and Hwy 7. These sites offer all utilities, access to rail, road, and air transportation, extensive land for expansion and storage, and qualify for New Markets Tax Credits, presenting an appealing opportunity for biobased development ventures.

Grenada, Mississippi is perfectly positioned for world-class performance, in a strategic location just a half-day drive from markets like Atlanta, New Orleans and Dallas, and with logistics that facilitate low-cost global and domestic access. With easy access to I-55, U.S. Route 51, and U.S. Route 82, it offers extensive connectivity. The Grenada Railroad and Memphis rail gateway connects to all major cities in the continental United States, Canada, and Mexico via the nation’s top 6 Class 1 carriers: CN, CSX, BNSF, UP, KCS and NS. The nearby Port of Rosedale and International Port of Memphis offer intermodal all-weather vital access to river navigation systems and deep-water shipping. Greater Grenada region offers a choice of nearly a dozen municipal airports, and offers convenient access to international travel hubs like Jackson and Memphis airports, with MEM being the largest cargo airport in North America.

Moreover, Grenada boasts a skilled and cost-effective workforce, supported by collaborative efforts between entities like the Mississippi WIN (Workforce Investment Network) Job Center, Northwest Community College, and Holmes Community College (HCC), renowned for its industrial training programs. Qualified businesses relocating or expanding in Grenada County can tap into a variety of local and state incentive programs, including Property Tax Exemption, Free Port Warehouse Exemption, and Ad Valorem Tax Exemption for Broadband Technology Equipment. Grenada welcomes businesses seeking a strategic advantage in a vibrant and supportive community.

About The BDO Zone Initiative

The BDO Zone Initiative certifies regional readiness for bio-based manufacturing, creates global connections with project developers, and ignites an influx of clean energy opportunities.

A BDO Zone rating is an internationally recognized standards-based technical risk assessment of biomass feedstock, supply chain, and infrastructure risk with respect to the development potential of new biofuel, renewable chemical, biogas, and bioproduct plants. Investment grade ratings attract new bio-based manufacturing plants to the areas where they are most likely to succeed– and create jobs.

Jordan Solomon is Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative and President of Ecostrat (www.ecostrat.com). He can be reached at jordan.solomon@ecostrat.com. Ecostrat is the North American leader in biomass due diligence for biofuels, renewable chemicals, biogas, and bio-product project development and finance. READ MORE WATCH Recorded Presentation