Mayor responds to public questions about industrial park project

City officials sought to ease public concern Tuesday night over a proposed development inside the Clinton Industrial Park, saying the project differs significantly from similar operations that have drawn scrutiny elsewhere in the state.

Speaking during the March 3 meeting of the Clinton Board of Aldermen, Will Purdie said preliminary renovation work has begun on an existing industrial building. He noted, however, that negotiations involving the developer are ongoing and that additional details will be released when possible.

The project has sparked questions from residents in recent weeks, particularly following reports about the xAI facility in Southaven, where nearby property owners have raised concerns about noise and emissions from on-site power generation equipment.

Purdie said the Clinton proposal does not include a power plant or on-site turbines. Instead, the facility would draw electricity from the existing grid operated by Entergy. Because of that distinction, city leaders said they do not anticipate the types of issues reported in Southaven.

The building is located within the interior of the established industrial park, separated from residential areas. City officials said the project would be required to comply with the same environmental and operational standards that apply to other industrial tenants in the park.

Questions have also surfaced about potential effects on utility rates and water usage. Purdie said state regulations are in place to protect ratepayers from costs associated with large-scale developments. He added that the proposed facility would not use potable water for industrial cooling. Water use would be limited to routine office needs such as restrooms and employee break areas.

City leaders also emphasized the anticipated economic impact. Purdie described the development as the most significant economic project in the history of both Clinton and Hinds County.

If completed as expected, officials said the project would generate millions of dollars annually in new revenue for the city, the Clinton Public School District and county government. Leaders said those funds could support infrastructure improvements, municipal services and public education.

Purdie acknowledged that residents have raised legitimate questions but said city officials remain focused on protecting the community’s interests.

“Our responsibility is to the people of Clinton,” he said. “We believe this project represents a major opportunity for long-term growth while maintaining the standards our residents expect.”