Kemp announces rural site development grants totaling $9.3 million

Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the first recipients of the OneGeorgia Authority's Rural Site Development Initiative grant. This initiative is designed to support Georgia's rural communities in developing new industrial sites, ensuring economic growth and maintaining competitiveness. Eligible activities for the grant include site studies, land grading, and other essential infrastructure.

"Georgia has been the No. 1 state for business for over a decade by investing in our future," said Governor 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 initial grants amount to $9.3 million and were awarded to six recipients who demonstrated strong plans for industrial site development and met eligibility requirements, including certification as a Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) site location.

Speaker Jon Burns commented on the announcement: "Georgia’s historic economic development success is the result of decades of strategic partnerships and initiatives championed by the Georgia General Assembly." He expressed optimism about job creation and development opportunities these investments will bring.

Lt. Governor Burt Jones praised Governor Kemp's efforts: "I’m proud to support efforts like these to increase economic development opportunities and attract future businesses to our great state."

Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn emphasized leadership and prior investment as key factors in Georgia's economic success: "This new tool will enable communities to remain attractive for future prospects."

Pat Wilson, Commissioner of the Georgia Department of Economic Development, highlighted community investment in long-term health through site development: "There is no better way to change a life for the better than creating an opportunity for a job."

Recipients leveraged additional funding sources alongside OneGeorgia Authority requirements, with funds subject to state laws and regulations.

The Dade Industrial Development Authority received $31,500 for due diligence at Dade Industrial Park. Liberty County Development Authority was granted $2 million for improvements at Tradeport West Business Center. The Joint Development Authority of Peach County and Warner Robins secured $2 million for road construction at Robins International Industrial Park.

Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority was awarded $2 million for water and sewer improvements at Eastman Aerospace Park. Brunswick and Glynn County Development Authority received $2 million for enhancements at Georgia Breakbulk Logistics Site. Screven County Development Authority obtained $1,040,332 for building improvements at Screven County Speculative Building.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) acts as the state's sales and marketing arm, promoting business investment and expansion while attracting tourists and supporting arts projects.

The Department of Community Affairs partners with communities to foster economic development through various programs aimed at job creation, affordable housing solutions, and more.