ELLISVILLE, Miss. ( WHLT ) – Jones County is using federal and state grants to prepare for the opening of Cold-Link Logistics in Ellisville.

The county is using a $2.1 million Federal Community Development Block Grant to widen Dacetown Road off of U.S. 11. They’re adding turning lanes for easier truck access to Cold-Link and to accommodate heavier traffic flow. Engineers said Cold Link anticipates around 80 large trucks per day.

“The existing Dacetown Road was a typical county road that was not originally constructed for the heavier loads that we’ll see from the Cold-Link facility. So, it was important for Dacetown Road to be upgraded to accommodate heavier loads,” said Wiley Pickering, owner of Pickering Engineering Service.

A $1.8 million State Development Infrastructure Program Funding Grant was also used to help extend the City of Ellisville’s sewer and water system to the new facility.

Officials said the grants were crucial in building Cold-Link, which is expected to bring a large economic impact to the Pine Belt.

“They have invested $75 million dollars into this project, into their facility, and they’ve committed to creating 84 new jobs. So, obviously, that is tremendously helpful for our economy, for the community, the creation of jobs. It will create a lot of great jobs for our citizens,” said Danielle Ashley, chief administrative officer and board attorney.

Drivers are asked to slow down while construction continues along U.S. 11. Work is expected to be completed by August 2024.

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