Grant & Loan Awards: Pierce County

Equity funds to provide gap financing for public infrastructure, specifically water and sewer, to the original 150-acre Industrial Park under development by the City of Blackshear, Pierce County, Pierce County I.D.A.and Okenfenokee Area D.A. (OADA). The park, located between Waycross and Blackshear on US Highway #84, is occupied by eight industries. The eight industries occupy 74.8 acres of the park with a total of 117 existing full-time employees at the Park. Two of the industries use highly combustible materials. Currently, all industries depend on private wells and septic tanks for water and sewer.

Equity funds for construction of a 500,000-gallon elevated storage tank to assist an existing industry, Stewart Candy Co, with plans for expansion.The family-owned company has been in business for over 80 years, employing 125 and projects the addition of 40 new jobs over the next two years. The storage tank will also support marketing efforts, enhancing the competitiveness of the area by providing adequate water and fire protection for future development.