Noxubee County, located in east-central Mississippi along the Alabama border, has been selected as one of just 25 rural communities nationwide — and one of only two from the South — to participate in the Recreation Economy for Rural Communities (RERC) program. The initiative, led by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and U.S. Forest Service with other federal partners, helps rural places leverage outdoor recreation to revitalize main streets, grow local businesses, and strengthen resilience.
“The RERC grant represents a major opportunity to infuse new life into our rural community. We are a "hidden gem" that will benefit significantly through the creation of assets that residents can enjoy and to which tourists can be attracted.”
— Sharon Leslie Morgan, Board Secretary at the Noxubee County Historical Society
Outdoor recreation is more than just fun – it’s a driver of economic growth and community well-being. In 2023, it generated $1.2 trillion in economic output and supported 5 million jobs nationwide, according to the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis. By connecting recreation to small businesses and downtown revitalization, rural communities like Noxubee County can tap into this momentum while strengthening health, conservation, and quality of life.
Through this program, Noxubee County will develop a countywide strategy that weaves together outdoor recreation, local history, culture, and vibrant main streets. The plan will also address environmental challenges posed by natural disasters, with a strong focus on land stewardship and community resilience.
This selection offers expert technical assistance and guidance to help the county move from ideas to action. Through community workshops, input from local leaders and residents, and a structured planning process, the county will create a clear roadmap for future projects. This roadmap strengthens the ability to compete for state and federal funding and ensures community-driven priorities are ready to move forward.
The Community Sustainability Team at Communities Unlimited (CU) is serving as the local partner in this effort. CU’s Community Facilitator Amanda McBride, who wrote the grant application on behalf of Noxubee County, will coordinate with local partners to bring resources and solutions to the table.
“Working with the EPA RERC consultants and team is an honor for CU and for Noxubee County. I’m especially excited to partner with them alongside our local leadership team to expand recreation opportunities across the county and continue revitalizing the downtowns of Brooksville, Macon, and Shuqualak.”
— Amanda McBride, Community Facilitator at Communities Unlimited
As part of this process, Noxubee County will be better positioned to secure follow-up funding for new trails, park improvements, main street enhancements, and small business opportunities tied to tourism and outdoor recreation. The effort seeks not only to strengthen the economy but also to make the community healthier, more resilient, and more connected to its natural and cultural assets.
