U.S. Steel donates $1 million for community and safety projects in Mississippi County

U.S. Steel, through its Big River Works’ facilities, has donated $1 million to organizations in Osceola and Mississippi County. The donations are slated to be used for infrastructure and essential service projects.

The company convened a panel of local community leaders to study where donations could be best used. Among the donations is a $425,000 grant to relocate the South Mississippi County Regional Medical Center’s (SMCRMC) emergency room, which was damaged by flooding, and buy equipment and construct a helipad.

Another $405,000 grant will provide new equipment for Osceola’s police, firefighters, city services and first responders. Another $80,000 grant will fund a program for at-risk youth coordinated by the Arkansas Northeast College Foundation. The Mississippi County Community Foundation and the Mississippi County Arkansas Economic Opportunity Commission will each receive a $30,000 grant for programs. Luxora Park will receive $20,000 for improvements.

“U.S. Steel is committed to the communities where we live and work, because helping foster a thriving community is essential for everyone’s success. We are fortunate to be able to contribute meaningfully,” said Daniel (Dan) R. Brown, U. S. Steel’s Senior Vice President of Advanced Technology Steelmaking and Chief Operating Officer of Big River Steel Works. “Our acquisition of Big River Steel and investment in a new mill here is not just about delivering profitable steel solutions. It is also about making a positive economic impact on the greater Osceola community and helping revitalize its historic status as a bastion of American industry and innovation.”

U.S. Steel acquired Big River Steel, and then announced earlier this year plans to build a $3 billion new plant in Mississippi County. The new plant is projected to create about 900 new jobs that will pay around $100,000 per year.

“I, and the people of our city, appreciate the tremendous support and ongoing partnership of U.S. Steel. U.S. Steel is a great corporate neighbor for Osceola and our surrounding communities,” said Osceola Mayor Sally Wilson. “With their generous gift, we will be able to purchase, among other things, AEDs, medical trauma kits and fire extinguishers for the Osceola Police Department, Osceola Fire Department and Fire Departments from the surrounding towns of Wilson, Keiser and Luxora.”

Entergy Arkansas will also donate $100,000 to help with these projects.