Georgia – Governor Brian P. Kemp has announced the third round of funding through Georgia’s Rural Site Development Initiative. This is part of the state’s ongoing effort to get rural areas ready for future economic growth. The most recent round gives out $4.3 million in grants, increasing the total amount of money spent on rural site development projects to $21 million since the program started in fiscal year 2025.
State leaders say the goal of the program is to make sure that economic possibilities aren’t just available in big cities. The grants help small communities get industrial sites ready for growth, which makes them more appealing to enterprises that look to expand or relocate. Funding is given to either make immediate improvements to a site or to help communities get or keep Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) designation. According to program rules, all projects need local matching funding.
Read also: Georgia strengthens education-to-workforce pipeline with targeted transfer programs
This round featured two big awards for site improvements. The Camden County Joint Development Authority got $2 million to help get the Coastal Georgia Commerce Park ready for business. This included building an entrance road. The whole project will cost $7.3 million. The Toombs County Development Authority also got $2 million to make upgrades to the 599-acre One Toombs Industrial Park in south Georgia. This is a GRAD-certified property with total project expenses of $2.7 million.
Read also: City of Atlanta builds small business pipeline for pop-ups, vendors, and event-related work
Several smaller funds were given the go-ahead to help with GRAD certification activities across the state. Brantley County got $45,000 to certify the Satilla Industrial Park, while Candler County got $103,500 to renew and expand certification at the Metter-Candler I-16 Industrial Park. The Rome-Floyd Development Authority in northwest Georgia got $20,625 to approve the Enterprise Corner Industrial Park. The Waycross-Ware County Development Authority got $161,500 to certify the Waycross and Ware County Airport Industrial Park.
Read also: Public invited to attend or watch live as Fulton County board convenes Wednesday, Feb. 4
Site studies, land grading, and other infrastructure work that helps long-term industrial development are some of the things that can be executed with the grant money. Communities receiving funding were required to demonstrate clear development plans and meet all eligibility standards set by the OneGeorgia Authority. The Department of Community Affairs is in charge of all projects and makes sure they follow state legislation.
Read also: Alpharetta-area residents invited to learn septic maintenance basics in county-led session
State officials stressed that places that are ready for development are very important for bringing in sectors like logistics and manufacturing, especially in rural areas. Georgia wants to make its economy more competitive overall and create new options for people to find good-paying jobs across the state by increasing the reach of the Rural Site Development Initiative.
