The Candler County Industrial Development Authority is among the recipients of grant funds awarded this week from the OneGeorgia Authority.
Governor Brian Kemp announced the third round of grants from the Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) on Friday. The RSDI is within the OneGeorgia Authority.
RSDI grants are awarded for either site improvement or to assist with the costs of seeking Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification on approved projects critical to economic development in that area of the state. State funding is matched by the communities at various levels, based on the program’s criteria.
The latest allotment totals approximately $4.3 million.
The Candler County Industrial Authority will receive $103,500 to renew certification for and expand the Metter-Candler I-16 Industrial Park. The total project costs are $115,000. The award is under the GRAD-Certification Scholarships.
Eligible activities for use of grant funds include, but are not limited to, site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure efforts that support site development.
Examples of Eligible Costs:
- due diligence studies
- utility surveys
- boundary surveys
- easements
- cost for GRAD certification requirements
According to the state, the grantees demonstrate “substantive plans for industrial site development while meeting OneGeorgia Authority eligibility requirements.” They’ll continue to be subject to grant requirements as the money is utilized.
Other recipients in this $4.3 million allotment include:
Brantley County Development Authority
The Brantley County Development Authority in southeast Georgia was awarded $45,000 to certify the 103-acre Satilla Industrial Park. The total project costs are $49,500.
Rome-Floyd Development Authority
The Rome Floyd Development Authority in northwest Georgia was awarded $20,625 to certify the 200-acre Enterprise Corner Industrial Park site. The total project costs are $27,500.
Waycross-Ware County Development Authority
The Waycross-Ware County Development Authority in southeast Georgia was awarded $161,500 to certify the 391-acre Waycross and Ware County Airport Industrial Park. The total project costs are $188,900.
Site Improvement Grants
Camden County Joint Development Authority
The Camden County Joint Development Authority in coastal Georgia was awarded $2 million for site readiness improvements, including the construction of an entry road, at the Coastal Georgia Commerce Park. The total project costs are $7.3 million.
Toombs County Development Authority
The Toombs County Development Authority in south Georgia was awarded $2 million for site readiness improvements at the 599-acre, GRAD-certified One Toombs Industrial Park. The total project costs are $2.7 million.
Since the program launched in FY 2025, rural site development projects across the state have received upwards of $21 million.
“In Georgia, we are committed to bringing good-paying jobs to every part of the state,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The Rural Site Development Initiative is a great tool in helping us bring opportunity to every zip code, and I am grateful for the partnership of the General Assembly and the leadership of the state agencies involved, without whom this generational impact for rural communities would not be possible.”
“Development ready sites are a must-have to be competitive in today’s landscape, especially in key industries such as logistics and manufacturing,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Partnering with communities through the GRAD certification and RSDI programs allows us to market every corner of the state as we compete for opportunities for Georgians.”
