A data center planned for Effingham County was formally announced Wednesday with the support of the Effingham County Commissioners, the Industrial Development Authority, Effingham County Schools, the county manager, and the school superintendent.
From the press release sent Wednesday:
The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), Effingham County Board of Commissioners and the Effingham County School District today announced a transformational economic development investment as OpenAI will establish a state-of-the-art data center campus in Effingham County within the existing Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub (SGIH). SGIH is a 2,600-acre global logistics
campus developed by The Broe Group.
The project is one of the largest private capital investments in the history of coastal Georgia. The investment aligns with OpenAI’s broader initiative to expand the computing infrastructure needed to support the next generation of AI technologies while partnering with local communities.
Beyond the $20 billion capital investment, the project will create 400 long-term, high-quality jobs, significantly increase the local tax base, support infrastructure improvements, and support
new and existing educational partnerships that prepare Effingham County students for careers
in technology, engineering, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan:
“This project has the potential to change the financial future of Effingham County in ways that
will benefit our citizens for generations. It strengthens our economy and provides the resources
needed to continue our transformational infrastructure investments and to continue delivering
the high-quality services our citizens expect. Most importantly, it has the potential to become the
catalyst for Project Zero, our commitment to eliminate county homestead property taxes. The
revenue generated by this project will accelerate that vision and make Project Zero a reality as
early as next year. Current estimates project the average homeowner will see a 40% reduction
in property taxes. We approached this opportunity with diligence by conducting firsthand
research, visiting comparable facilities, and working extensively with the company and regional partners to ensure community concerns were thoroughly addressed before moving forward.”
School Superintendent Yancy Ford Backs Project
Shortly after the announcement, Dr. Yancy Ford, Superintendent of Effingham County Schools, sent an email to staff expressing his support.
Dear ECSD Team,
I want you to hear this major announcement from me before reading about it in the headlines. Today, the Effingham County School District, alongside the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority and the Board of Commissioners, officially announced a landmark $20 billion economic development project with OpenAI to build a state-of-the-art campus in our county.
Before supporting this initiative, I personally visited several similar facilities to ensure this partnership would be a net-positive for our schools and community. This project will allow us to invest in our educators through salary increases, create more opportunities for our students, and reduce property taxes for our residents.
Please take a few minutes to review the resources below to learn what this investment means for our school district and our community.
Press Release from Effingham IDA, Effingham Board of Commissioners, and ECSD- Attached
Press Release from OpenAI- Attached
Project Fact Sheet- Attached
Effingham County Joint Leaders Website: https://effinghamgateway.com/
OpenAI Project Website: ProjectCamellia.com
OpenAI Company Blog: https://openai.com/index/building-ai-infrastructure-with-the-effingham-county-community/
We are committed to open communication and keeping you fully informed as this partnership moves forward. I encourage you to join us at our upcoming Open House to learn more and ask questions:
Event: Public Open House
Date: Thursday, July 23
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: Effingham College and Career Academy
Thank you for everything you do every single day for our students and community. It is your dedication that makes Effingham County a place where innovative organizations want to invest, and families want to raise their children. I hope to see many of you on Thursday evening!
Sincerely,
Yancy Ford
County employees were directed by email not to discuss the matter with the media and instead direct all comments, questions, and other matters to the spokesperson for the Effingham County Board of Commissioners.
