Press Release

Georgia Green Manufacturing Jobs Get Boost from Commerce Department Investment

August 5, 2010

WASHINGTON - U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke today announced a $1.32 million U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) grant to Ware County and the Okefenokee Area Development Authority of Waycross, Ga., to provide a rail spur that will serve a renewable energy manufacturing facility at the Waycross/Ware County Industrial Park. The project is expected to create 108 jobs and generate $120 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Investing in our manufacturing base and alternative energy projects is critical to our nation's economic competitiveness," Locke said. "This EDA grant will provide the vital infrastructure improvements needed to support a green manufacturing facility in Waycross that will create high-paying, high-tech jobs."

This rail spur project will serve Georgia Biomass, LLC, a new fuel wood pellet manufacturing facility locating within the Waycross/Ware County Industrial Park. The company will produce approximately 750,000 tons of wood pellets each year. The pellets, which are used for power generation, will be transported via rail from the industrial park to the Savannah Port for export to Europe. The project is funded through EDA's Global Climate Change Mitigation Incentive Fund (GCCMIF), which supports a green economy by promoting economic competitiveness while enhancing environmental quality.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov): This year, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) marks 45 years of public service, with a mission of leading the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. EDA is an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce that partners with distressed communities throughout the United States to foster job creation, collaboration and innovation.