Fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative awards supports ten local projects and strengthens Georgia’s project-ready site inventory
ATLANTA (June 30, 2026) — Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the fourth round of grants from the Rural Site Development Initiative, awarding $7.8 million through the OneGeorgia Authority to support ten local projects across the state. With this latest round, Georgia has invested $28 million in rural site development projects since the program launched in fiscal year 2025.
The Rural Site Development Initiative is designed to help communities prepare sites for future business investment, job creation and long-term economic growth. Grants may be used for site improvement projects or to assist with costs related to Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development, or GRAD, certification. Communities provide matching funds at various levels based on program criteria.
“Since I took office, over 64 percent of new jobs created have gone to parts of our state outside the metro Atlanta region, and the Rural Site Development Initiative is an important part of that broader effort to bring opportunity to all parts of Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I’m grateful for the great partnership of the General Assembly in funding and promoting this program, and I look forward to even more jobs and investment going to rural areas.”
Lt. Governor Burt Jones said the grants are a key component of Georgia’s continued economic development strategy.
“Rural site development grants are essential to Georgia’s growth, productivity, and sustainability,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “I commend Governor Brian Kemp for leading the charge to fund and promote this program, which has awarded $28 million for critical projects in rural communities across Georgia.”
Speaker Jon Burns emphasized the importance of the funding for rural communities, particularly in Southeast Georgia as the region responds to changes in the forestry industry.
“Rural communities are the lifeblood of Georgia’s economy, which is why the House is proud to support Rural Site Development Grants that help bring good-paying jobs to hardworking Georgians across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I am especially proud of the investments being made in Southeast Georgia as the region navigates unprecedented changes in the forestry industry that has sustained our communities for generations. These grants will strengthen economic opportunity across the region and ensure the continued success of our entire state.”
According to state officials, the program helps local communities strengthen their competitiveness by preparing industrial and business sites for investment. GRAD-certified sites are reviewed for readiness and can play an important role in helping companies make location decisions.
“GRAD sites are important to local strategies for attracting employers and investment in Georgia’s communities,” said Georgia Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “Rural Site Development Grants enable communities to plan for their future success.”
Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said shovel-ready sites remain a major advantage in the state’s economic development portfolio.
“Over the last several years, GRAD sites have helped attract an estimated 10,000 jobs to communities across the state,” said Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Proactive economic development planning, including through shovel-ready sites, strengthens our entire portfolio and competitiveness as a state.”
Site Improvement Grants
Effingham County
The Effingham County Development Authority in coastal Georgia was awarded $1.8 million for site readiness improvements at the GRAD-certified Savannah Portside International Park. The work includes construction of a sewer pump station. Total project costs are estimated at $2.5 million.
Columbus-Muscogee County
The Development Authority of Columbus in west Georgia was awarded $2 million for site improvement work at the GRAD-certified Muscogee Technology Park. Planned improvements include clearing and grading. Total project costs are estimated at $10 million.
McIntosh County
The McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority near coastal Georgia was awarded $1.5 million for road, water and sewer infrastructure improvements at the GRAD-certified Tidewaters Industrial Park. Total project costs are estimated at $2.8 million. This marks the county’s second site development award, following a previous GRAD-certification scholarship, demonstrating the value of advancing project-ready sites in Georgia communities.
Thomaston-Upson County
The Thomaston-Upson County Industrial Development Authority in west-central Georgia was awarded $2 million to support water, sewer and transportation infrastructure at the GRAD-certified Central Georgia Business and Technology Park. Total project costs are estimated at $2.3 million.
More information about the Rural Site Development Initiative and the OneGeorgia Authority is available through the Georgia Department of Community Affairs. Details about the application process and eligibility are available through the Georgia Department of Economic Development.
