HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – A one-stop shop for truckers now is open in Forrest County, adding more than 100 jobs to the community.

“Hattiesburg has had a 1.9% job growth and we’re just glad that they’ve been able to contribute to that job growth,” Area Development Partnership membership director Ann Scott Mathis said.

With the addition of Love’s Travel Stop, nearly 400 jobs added to Forrest County in the last year.

“People who are raised here can make a living wage here and stay here and don’t have to go somewhere else for a good job,” said District 1 Board of Supervisor Gentry Mordica.

Leaders say the truck stop was strategically placed between Interstate 59 and U.S. 49, just a few miles away from Forrest County’s Industrial Park.

The brand-new facility offers everything a trucker would need, from vehicle maintenance supplies, a meal, and even showers and a laundromat.

“Trucking is a lifeline of our economy, getting things in and out, keeping the stores functioning and running,” said Mathis. “They have anything a trucker would need in order to successfully operate his truck.”

Early in the process, some neighbors voiced concerns about safety with the increased traffic.

Mordica said local leaders tried to address those fears.

“We’re doing everything we can as far as safety, working with the (Mississippi Department of Transportation) to put signs up, working with the sheriff and the (Forrest County) Sheriff’s (Office) to make sure the trucks stay out of the neighborhoods,” said Mordica. “They’re working diligently to make sure the safety aspects are taken care of.”

Love’s District Manager Sarah Martson said the new business was excited to be a part of the community and dedicated to keeping the area safe.

“We want to be here, to be that haven for the community,” said Martson. “We know that though we service people who are traveling and driving around, our building does not move.

“This is our community. We’re dedicated to keeping this a safe spot for our community. (And) we really want to be a safe haven for travelers.”

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