ATLANTA — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced last week the inaugural recipients of the OneGeorgia Authority’s new Rural Site Development Initiative grant, including the Liberty County Development Authority.
Recognizing the vital importance of ready for development sites, this initiative enables Georgia’s rural communities to identify, assess, and develop new industrial sites, helping to maintain the capacity for economic growth and Georgia’s competitive edge. Eligible activities include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure that supports site 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 first round of successful grantees demonstrated substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements, which includes certification as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site location. These inaugural grants total $9.3 million. The six award recipients have also demonstrated strong community buyin.
The Liberty County Development Authority received a grant of $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an access road, at the rail-served and “GRAD” certified Tradeport West Business Center as part of renewing its GRAD certification. The Liberty County Development Authority is contributing to the total infrastructure cost of $4.7 million.
Tradeport West is one of the few rail-served properties, LCDA CEO Brynn Grant said.
“The state has been excited about Tradeport West,” she added. “It is a really good site for so many reasons. Now we have to advance that site and get it shovel-ready.”
The grants were awarded on a competitive basis, with dozens of counties participating.
“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.”
“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,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “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.”
In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment. Use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, and to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be expended within the timeframe specified in the grant award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.
“Georgia’s economic development success has been unprecedented, in part due to the combination of leadership and prior investment,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects and achieve their vision of economic prosperity.”
“By investing in site development, communities are investing in their long-term health,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “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.”