Mississipi’s Kemper County awarded ‘A’ rating for woody biomass

Kemper County, Ecostrat, and the BDO Zone Initiative have announced the issue of an investment grade BDO Zone ‘A’ Rating for Kemper County, Mississippi.
The BDO Zone is rated for 1,105,000 bone dry tons per year of woody biomass and extends within a 75-mile radius from the centre point, Scooba, MS.
Kemper County's 'A' rating indicates high prospective viability to support new biobased plant operations, with low risk associated with feedstock supply and infrastructure in the Zone.
The region features a leading regional forest industry with a large network of experienced suppliers, nationally competitive supply chain labour costs, and an under-utilised pine forest resource, making this an ideal location for biobased projects seeking a reliable supply of woody biomass.
The site offers excellent connectivity through comprehensive transportation infrastructure and has received extensive utility investments, including electric service upgrades, natural gas feeder lines, and expanded water availability, while lower housing costs and cost of living enhance workforce attraction prospects.
“Our 'A' rating provides a globally accepted certification of what we all know locally, Kemper County is blessed with a strong wood basket,” stated Steven Lockley, Executive Director of the Kemper County Economic Development Authority. “As we finalise our efforts to acquire new industrial sites along the Hwy 45/COKC Rail Corridor, this designation is a marketing feather in our cap and a financial win for companies looking to make biomass investments in our county. We are excited about the future economic opportunities and positioning our region as a result of this designation.”
Jordan Solomon, Chairman of the BDO Zone Initiative, stated: “Kemper County's BDO Zone 'A' rating for over 1.1 million bone dry tons of woody biomass, combined with the region's under-utilised forest resources, comprehensive infrastructure, and strong community support, offers companies developing next-generation biofuels and renewable materials, the critical supply chain stability essential for successful long-term operations in the bioeconomy.”