The PUL Alliance was formed in 2001 by local governments in Pontotoc, Union, and Lee Counties to promote job creation and economic development by developing and marketing a large-scale industrial site suitable for automotive or other major impact industries. In 2003, The PUL Alliance became the State of Mississippi’s first regional economic development alliance. The unique and unprecedented partnership allowed local governments to cross county lines and share in development costs as well as any potential revenue resulting from the development of the Wellspring industrial site near Blue Springs in Union County. The PUL Alliance played an integral role in the designation Highway 78 as Interstate 22 and has demonstrated the importance of partnerships and regional economic development strategies.
In February 2007, Toyota Motor Company announced plans to build a $1.3 billion manufacturing facility on a 1,730-acre tract of land owned and marketed by the Alliance. Since the aforementioned date, several Tier 1 automotive suppliers have commenced operations throughout northeast Mississippi and more are anticipated as Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc. increases production.
The success of The PUL Alliance reflects the longstanding, progressive economic development efforts of the three participating counties as well as other counties located within Three Rivers Planning & Development District.