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U.S. EDA Invests $4.86 Million to Enhance Job Growth in Georgia's Commercial and Manufacturing Sectors

August 9, 2011
Contact: John Atwood, (202) 482-4085


WASHINGTON - Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Dr. Rebecca Blank today announced $4.86 million in Economic Development Administration (EDA) grants to boost competitiveness and create jobs in Georgia. The investments are expected to help create or retain more than 1,700 jobs and generate more than $496 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

"Through our Economic Development Administration, we are able to provide funding to local communities to enhance job creation, economic growth and competitiveness," Blank said. "These EDA grants will make the vital infrastructure improvements needed to spur business development and job growth throughout Georgia."

The investments announced today include:

  • $1.67 million to Decatur County to make water system improvements at the Decatur Industrial Air Park to support existing businesses and help attract new businesses and jobs to the region. The project is expected to retain more than 500 jobs, create 20 new jobs, and generate $200 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
  • $1.279 million to Bulloch County to enhance the region's transportation manufacturing and logistics cluster by improving A.J. Riggs Road, a key artery that serves the Great Dane Trailers' new manufacturing operation in the Gateway Industrial Park Phase II. The project is expected to create 400 jobs and generate $31 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.
  • $1 million to the Town of Braselton to grow the region's medical cluster by making sewer system improvements that will serve the regional healthcare village complex, which will be anchored by the Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The project is expected to create 582 jobs and generate $208 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates. The Appalachian Regional Commission provided $300,000 for the project.
  • $917,710 to the city of Millen to make sewer system improvements needed to support the development of a new private prison in Jenkins County. The project is expected to create 205 jobs and generate $57 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration:

The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.