News Release > Entergy Mississippi, Inc. goes WILD with major grant announcement

Entergy Mississippi, Inc. goes WILD with major grant announcement

10/16/2015

Company gives $150K to turn ARK site into conservation, education and eco-tourist destination

DeSoto County, Miss.— It’s a wild idea, and Entergy Mississippi is funding it.

Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. has big plans for the ARK site just west of Hernando. The organization, which serves nearly half a million Mississippians in 13 counties, wants to develop the area into a full conservation-education eco-tourist destination in north Mississippi.

Entergy, through its environmental grants program, is donating $150,000 for the infrastructure improvements that will help make MWR’s plan a reality.

“The development of a pavilion and site improvements will create an outdoor classroom for area schools and Northwest Community College, and a venue for nature and wildlife programs for the general public,” said Don Arnold, Entergy Mississippi customer service representative in Southaven. “The project will have an economic and health impact on the local counties as well, and the public and private support for its completion has been tremendous. We’re happy to be a part of this community effort.”

The Army Corps of Engineers, DeSoto County Mississippi Greenways and Parks, DeSoto County Schools, DeSoto Foundation for Excellence in Education, Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries and Parks, Doug Thornton and AERC, regional veterinarians, DeSoto Tourism Agency, Chickasaw Trails Association and numerous other companies and individuals have pledged volunteer hours, materials and equipment to ensure the project’s completion.

“Mississippi Wildlife Rehabilitation thanks Entergy for this grant award and the confidence shown in our vision to establish the only resource in the area for conservation education,” said Valery Smith, MWF executive director. “This will be a prime destination for visitors, families and organizations seeking an enlightening and educational life-experience.”

The project start date is March 1, 2016 with completion expected by the end of the year.   Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides electricity to approximately 442,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations. Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of electric generating capacity, including nearly 10,000 megawatts of nuclear power, making it one of the nation’s leading nuclear generators. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.8 million utility customers in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Entergy has annual revenues of more than $11 billion and approximately 14,000 employees.

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