Brynn Grant

Columnist

Things are changing at record pace nationally and at the state and local levels. Economic development is changing too.

One thing remains true. Those of us in economic development try to strike the right balance between offering the incentives necessary to attract competitive businesses with the highest and best return for our communities. What might have been offered 10 years ago, or even one year ago, could be different today.

Here’s an example. At the most recent meeting of the LCDA board, an agreement with Safavieh offered nearly a year ago was approved as promised. The deal lessens taxes on two industrial buildings for 20 years. We honored it because the company based its investment decisions on that promise, and the projects are underway. It is important to note that there are a few other outstanding projects to which first offers were made at a different time and in a different business environment. We expect to honor these commitments over the next year.

In the future, we do not intend to offer abatements for 20-year terms, though they could be justified when there is exceptional value to our community based on company history and reputation, type of operation, total investment, number and types of jobs, and wages, among other things.

We are grateful for Safavieh’s investment in Liberty County. Their final commitment will add meaningful benefits to the community. The company will maintain the 100-foot buffer of trees between Islands Highway and a new planned building. While an additional employee access road will be added as approved years ago, the company must keep foliage tight to reduce visibility as much as possible. Additional landscaping will be added at the existing Hooker entrance as well as at Tradeport East Boulevard.

During construction, Safavieh will complete Tradeport East Boulevard connecting Islands Highway and Sunbury Road, which is essential for fire safety and traffic flow. The deal also transfers 8 acres of industrial-zoned property at the main entrance of Tradeport East at Sunbury Road to the Authority. It will be used for future economic benefit to the area. Further, the agreement requires the company to pay the necessary impact fees for water and sewer and the ounty’s transportation fee to support improvements on Islands Highway.

LCDA is in the middle of our strategic planning process, which includes reviewing incentives and creating an incentives policy. Such guidelines will provide a clear path for the future while still allowing flexibility for the greatest possible success. This living document will adjust with the times and the needs of our area while providing a vision and action plan for our work. We will launch it publicly in January.

Our mission is to attract and retain businesses that invest and create jobs to expand the tax base and increase the standard of living for all residents. We cannot do it alone, and we look forward to continuing valuable partnerships with you, and with our cities, county, chamber, and others.

If you have questions or want to share your thoughts, please contact Diana Reid at LCDA by calling (912) 368-3356 to make an appointment with me.

Brynn Grant is CEO of the Liberty County Development Authority.