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Insights > Thank you, Lake Hico
Thank you, Lake Hico
04/10/2025
Closing the chapter on the Rex Brown Cooling Pond, anticipating serving the next phase
In our 100-year history of providing reliable and affordable power to Mississippians, no area has a chapter in our story like that of the Rex Brown Cooling Pond. The chapter, which we’ve officially finished by returning the property back to Jackson Public Schools, played a critical role in keeping the lights on for thousands of homes and businesses.
Commonly known to the community as Lake Hico, the Rex Brown Cooling Pond was created in the 1950’s to supply a pipeline from the Pearl River to Entergy Mississippi’s (formerly Mississippi Power & Light) Rex Brown Steam Electric Station. This pump system allowed us to safely recirculate water to the plant and continue generating electricity at Rex Brown until the plant’s retirement in 2019.
Older Jacksonians might recall fishing, or even taking a dip in the body of water. That’s because up until 1960’s environmental laws were enacted, industrial cooling ponds could coexist as recreational facilities. Similarly, in 1961 MP&L adopted hard hats as essential gear for line workers. The focus on the safety of worksites and communities clearly took a turn for good during that decade.
Though the plant sat on Entergy property, the cooling pond was on 16th section land, managed by JPS. Without the cooling pond the plant’s 71-year legacy could not have been, and for that we are thankful for a decades-long relationship as a tenant to the school district.
When we made the decision to retire Rex Brown and invest in more modern, reliable power generation, we knew that closing the plant would make Lake Hico an attractive site for future community or economic development. So, with the approval of the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality, we got to work on a plan to appropriately close the lake and return the land to its original state.
We’ve imploded what was left of Rex Brown, so that it wouldn’t be an eyesore or safety hazard. We’ve drained the lake and completed soil testing to ensure its safety for future use. We’ve even updated fencing, so the land is secured while its destiny is decided.
Recently, JPS has held community forums to gather suggestions on what the next phase of Lake Hico should be. No matter the final decision, Entergy Mississippi eagerly looks forward to serving the development in its new Northside Drive home.
Thank you, Lake Hico, for once being our home too.
