Governor Roy Barnes today announced nearly $4.3 million in grant awards from the OneGeorgia Authority to eleven of Georgia's most economically distressed communities to create jobs and implement economic development projects. "I continue to be impressed with the caliber of projects funded by the OneGeorgia Equity Program. These eleven projects are an excellent representation of the program's flexibility and its' overall commitment to meet the needs of Georgia's rural communities", the Governor said.

Governor Barnes, who chairs the Authority, pointed out , "Georgia has 159 counties with 107 of those counties economically depressed and qualifying for OneGeorgia financial assistance as a Tier 1 or Tier 2 community." The governor added, "These eleven projects awarded today will provide new opportunities for job creation. --Opportunities resulting from the development of strategically-placed industrial parks, to innovative and viable agricultural options for Georgia's farmers, to downtown revitalization and tourism initiatives. With many of these local communities depending upon tourism dollars to help sustain their existence, OneGeorgia is partnering with these communities in support of their regional tourism efforts.

Lt. Governor Mark Taylor, Vice-Chairman of the Authority, agrees that the investments we are making in rural Georgia today through these projects will return big dividends in the future. "I am encouraged by the commitment these communities are making toward projects exemplifying diversity and regionalism. In addition, I am pleased to see these local leaders and communities taking a long-range approach to economic success."

The awards, round 2 of FY 2002 funding, are designed to assist our most economically distressed communities and regions by investing in their economic development initiatives. Project awards are given through three competitive rounds annually and are capped at $500,000 per project. Tier 1 and 2 communities and in some cases, Tier 3 communities, are eligible for Authority Assistance. The next Equity application deadline is May 28, 2002.

Equity award recipients being announced today include:

City of Byron - $450,000 grant to assist with wastewater treatment system improvements to include connecting the area east of I-75 and south of GA Hwy 49 on Byron's system to the Warner Robins system via a two-mile 8-inch force main along Hwy 49. The project will immediately expand industrial wastewater capacity for the North Peach Industrial Park and commercial arteries along Hwy 49. It will also alleviate the burden the geographical area places on Byron's existing system, currently under an EPD consent order.

City of Sandersville - $500,000 grant to assist with infrastructure costs to the 214-acre Research-Industrial park, including a 12-inch looped line to serve the park area and two existing businesses; a 500,000 gallon elevated water storage tank and construction of a 2.0 mgd water treatment facility. Long-range plans include construction of a 100,000 SF speculative facility. The proposed activities will provide an opportunity for economic diversity and are vital to the future development of an area predominantly supported by the kaolin industry.

Appling County - $271,450 grant to construct Fallen Rock's Park on 26.4 acres of county-owned land at Deen's Landing on the Altamaha River. The park will include a group shelter, picnic shelters with grills, fire rings for campers, parking for 20 vehicles and five RV's, a children's play area and nature trail. Appling County, building on its success in hosting the "Altamaha River Rat Run", is a member of the 11-county Altamaha River Partnership. They plan to market the park as part of the Altamaha Canoe Trail, promoting nature-based ecotourism and stimulating economic opportunity in the region.

City of Fort Gaines - $490,000 grant for a sewer line extension from the City's existing wastewater treatment plant to George T. Bagby State Park, located on Lake Walter F. George. The George T. Bagby State Park Lodge and Conference Center, a major tourism destination in Southwest Georgia, is currently being expanded from 30 to 60 rooms to meet growing demands, and will include additional dining and meeting space. The park, vital to the local regional economy, is expected to create 8 new jobs.

Middle Georgia Regional Development Authority (Peach, Pulaski & Houston Counties) - $125,198 grant to assist Phase II, the construction of four one-half acre outdoor freshwater ponds in Pulaski County to further explore the feasibility and cultivation of marine shrimp in an inland farm environment. Phase I successfully demonstrated the ability to grow shrimp in an indoor environment in Perry, Georgia. The project has the opportunity to develop a new industry with strong regional impact, providing a viable option to traditional farming for Georgia's Farmers.

Sumter County, Cities of Plains, Leslie, Americus, Cordele and Crisp County - $491,498 grant to construct pedestrian platforms and other necessary improvements along the 42-mile route of the planned Southwest Georgia Excursion Train. The train will run 3 separate schedules during the week with riders able to visit 8 area attractions in the region including Jimmy Carter's boyhood home, Plains High School (both National Historic Sites), the Rural Telephone Museum, Habitat for Humanity's Global Village, Georgia Veterans State Park, the Rylander Theatre, Andersonville and the National POW Museum. Tourism is expected to increase dramatically in the region along with a conservative projection of four to seven new jobs.

City of East Ellijay - $500,000 grant to extend water lines to a 90-acre tract, identified as Phase I, within the 269-acre commercial/industrial park, the Highlands of East Ellijay. A major retail chain has committed to serve as the anchor retail store in the development, creating 150 new jobs within 24 months. The project is expected to provide direct and indirect new jobs along with local and regional impact by attracting related ancillary development including restaurants, retail stores and lodging along Hwy 515, a busy transportation corridor in the region.

City of Plains - $500,000 grant to renovate two adjoining buildings in downtown Plains. The two buildings will be developed into an inn, antiques mall and museum, enhancing the existing tourism in President Carter's hometown and capitalizing on the expected increase in tourism as a result of the new excursion train. The first floor will include 26 dealer booths and 13 display cases with a check out area. The second floor, The Plains Inn, will have a common area and seven rooms for overnight stays. The seven rooms will be decorated with period furnishings to represent the years from 1920 to 1980. A minimum of three new direct jobs will be created with additional indirect jobs to be created as tourism increases in the area.

Downtown Development Authority of the City of Tifton - $435,615 loan to help finance the renovation and expansion of a "One Stop Workforce Development Center". The training facility will move from its present location of 1100 square foot to a 6,893 square foot city-owned vacant downtown building to create a regional workforce training center. The center represents the culmination of collaborative partnerships between the South GA Workforce Investment Board, Abraham Baldwin College, Moultrie Technical College and the City of Tifton. This regional training hub will house computer labs, migrant worker training programs, adult education classes, counseling facilities, GED Programs, job training and job placement programs. A projected 6,375 individuals will benefit from these programs over a two-year period in the 5 county surrounding area.

Downtown Waycross Development Authority - $40,000 grant to conduct a feasibility study to access the proposed renovation of the Phoenix Hotel. The Phoenix Hotel is seen as a vital component in the redevelopment of downtown Waycross. OneGeorgia funding is necessary to insure that a detailed schematic design, space allocation and redevelopment plan for the area immediately surrounding the site are in order and feasible.

Randolph County Development Authority - $469,700 grant to help finance the renovation of the Warren-Bush building to create the Southwest GA Workforce Development Center on the campus of Andrew College in Cuthbert. The building is owned by the Randolph County Development Authority and will be operated by Andrew College. Andrew College, Albany Technical College, and the Job Training Division of Columbus Consolidated Government have collaborated to provide technical training, workforce development and job training classes in the six-county region.