JACKSON, Miss. – Governor Tate Reeves announced that during its most recent public meeting, the Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund (MOSTF) Board of Trustees awarded a new round of competitive grants. These projects, totaling more than $13.4M for 28 conservation and outdoor recreation projects, are located in communities around the state, including one in Attala County.
These project awards demonstrate its unique private-public partnership model, where the MOSTF has invested $13.4M of state funds matched with an additional $25.3M in funding from other private, local, state, and federal sources. This results in a combined impact of $38.7M of conservation and outdoor recreation improvements for the people of Mississippi.
“These accomplishments were exactly what I expected when I signed the Outdoor Stewardship Act into law,” said Governor Tate Reeves. “The MOSTF is benefiting Mississippi communities and supporting jobs. It is exciting to watch these investments improve communities around the state and enhance our state’s $8 billion outdoor recreation economy, which supports more than 79,000 jobs.”
In Attala County, $56,250 are going towards a bridge for better bottomland access on the Yockanookany Wildlife Management Area.
The complete listing reads:
“This project will construct a bridge across the Yockanookany River to improve bottomland access on the 2,379-acre Yockanookany Wildlife Management Area (YWMA) located in Attala County. The WMA is long and linear and located on both sides of the Yockanookany River. There is currently only one access point to cross the river. An additional bridge is needed on the north end of the WMA, 1.6 miles away from the existing bridge, to provide access for the public as well as management access for WMA staff.”
Drew St. John, Chairman of the MOSTF Board of Trustees, stated, “For the third year in a row, the MOSTF Board has selected an outstanding group of projects funded by the Mississippi Legislature. We encourage our partners around the state to learn more about the program, and we stand ready to work with you.”
Each year, MOSTF accepts grant applications for selection by the seven Trustees of the MOSTF. The most competitive proposals must meet the statutory goals of improving our state’s parks and outdoor recreation trails, improving access to public waters and lands, and preserving, enhancing, and restoring native wildlife and fish resources and their critical habitats across Mississippi. Ed Penny, President of Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Coalition, said, “We are thrilled to see the MOSTF continue its momentum through the support of Governor Reeves and our Legislature. Our coalition has worked long and hard to highlight the importance of this program for our state.”
MOSTF is planning its next grant application period for August 1, 2025, pending funding secured during the 2025 Legislative Session.
For more information, visit their website at https://www.dfa.ms.gov/most, Facebook at Mississippi Outdoor Stewardship Trust Fund or Instagram at @msoutdoortrustfund.
