Georgia Launches Rural Site Development Initiative Grant to Boost Industrial Growth
ATLANTA – December 4, 2024 – With a focus on enhancing economic growth in its rural areas, Georgia has unveiled the first beneficiaries of the OneGeorgia Authority’s newly established Rural Site Development Initiative grant. This initiative is crafted to support rural communities in discovering, evaluating, and preparing new industrial sites, thereby ensuring the state’s continued competitiveness. Activities supported by the grant include site assessments, land preparation, and essential infrastructure development.
“Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade by investing in our future,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “When we talk to companies, the first question they ask is if we have the workforce. The second is if we have the sites. The Rural Site Development Initiative is just one of the ways we’re making sure Georgia remains in pole position for economic development for years to come.”
The initial set of grant recipients, who collectively received $9.3 million, showcased promising plans for industrial site development and satisfied the OneGeorgia Authority’s eligibility criteria, including GRAD site certification. Their proposals also illustrated significant community backing.
“Georgia’s historic economic development success is the result of decades of strategic partnerships and initiatives championed by the Georgia General Assembly,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I commend Governor Kemp for this announcement that further solidifies Georgia’s standing as the No. 1 Place to do Business, and I look forward to the continued job creation and development opportunities these investments will bring to Screven County and other communities across the state.”
Lt. Governor Burt Jones expressed his support, saying, “I commend Governor Brian Kemp on this great announcement, which further solidifies that in Georgia, we welcome new businesses across the state and support efforts to increase Georgia’s workforce. I’m proud to support efforts like these to increase economic development opportunities and attract future businesses to our great state. This is just one innovative approach to keeping Georgia the No. 1 state for business into the future.”
Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn remarked, “Georgia’s economic development success has been unprecedented, in part due to the combination of leadership and prior investment. This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson added, “By investing in site development, communities are investing in their long-term health. There is no better way to change a life for the better than creating an opportunity for a job. This program will help us continue to bring economic opportunity and prosperity into our communities, providing generational change for the better.”
Applicants for the grant had to meet OneGeorgia Authority standards and demonstrate community commitment by leveraging additional funding sources. The use of funds is governed by state regulations and OneGeorgia Authority guidelines, with a typical expenditure timeline of two years from grant award.
Award Recipients
Dade Industrial Development Authority
In northwest Georgia, the Dade Industrial Development Authority received $31,500 for due diligence to support GRAD certification at the Dade Industrial Park, adding a 50-acre tract to the existing 42-acre park. The project will cost a total of $59,050.
Liberty County Development Authority
Liberty County Development Authority secured $2 million for site readiness enhancements, including an access road at the Tradeport West Business Center. The entire infrastructure project totals $4.7 million.
Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins
The Joint Development Authority of Peach County and the City of Warner Robins received $2 million to build a new entrance road to the Robins International Industrial Park. The JDA is contributing to the total $3.57 million project cost.
Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority
The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority was awarded $2 million for water and sewer upgrades at Eastman Aerospace Park, with total project costs exceeding $2.2 million.
Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority
In coastal Georgia, the Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority received $2 million for improvements at the Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Site. The total project cost is $3,009,000.
Screven County Development Authority
Screven County Development Authority was granted $1,040,332 for enhancements at the Screven County Speculative Building. The total project cost is $2,005,924.
About GDEcD
The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) promotes business investment, industry expansion, and tourism in Georgia. For more information, visit georgia.org.
About Department of Community Affairs
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs supports neighborhood and economic development across the state. More details can be found at www.dca.ga.gov.
Read More Here
