From 2003 to 2006, NOAA has contributed to the development of a Mississippi Mesonet through the activities of the NOAA Center for Atmospheric Studies (NCAS) at Jackson State University. As the initial funding period for NCAS finishes in 2006, the prototype phase of the Mesonet will come to completion and a new phase of growth will begin. Already there are commitments to at least double the size of the network over the next several months utilizing various grants and collaborations. With the initial network in place, new initiatives will improve Web delivery of data, communications with stakeholders, public awareness of the Mesonet resources, and use of the data in meteorological research. We will report on current status, progress, and plans for this next phase.