Effingham County site receives enhanced Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development status, strengthening its position for fast-track industrial projects
BLOOMINGDALE, Ga. (May 27, 2026) — The Georgia Department of Economic Development, in partnership with the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, has announced that Savannah Portside International Park has earned Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development certification with GRAD Select status.
The enhanced certification provides an additional seal of approval for the 1,356-acre industrial park, making the site especially attractive for companies seeking development-ready industrial property in coastal Georgia.
Savannah Portside International Park is the third site in Georgia to receive GRAD Select status after receiving a state infrastructure grant through the Rural Site Development Initiative.
“By investing the time and resources necessary to achieve a ‘GRAD Select’ designation, a community is making it clear they have an intentional and strategic plan for development,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “This recognition highlights Effingham County and the Savannah Portside International Park as competitive assets within Georgia’s industrial landscape. Sites that reach this level of certification are well positioned to move efficiently through the development process and support continued economic opportunity across the state.”
Savannah Portside International Park Offers Strategic Industrial Advantages
Located in Bloomingdale in southern Effingham County, Savannah Portside International Park offers direct access to one of Georgia’s strongest logistics and industrial corridors.
The site is positioned along Interstate 16, providing connectivity to the Port of Savannah, regional markets and major transportation routes. The Georgia Central Railway also runs along the property’s northeastern boundary, adding rail-served potential for industrial users.
Key site features include:
- 1,356 total acres
- Two development pods totaling more than 340 acres
- Largely underdeveloped land ready for industrial use
- Location in southern Effingham County near Interstate 16
- On-site utilities, including water, sewer, electricity, natural gas and fiber
- Rail access potential through the Georgia Central Railway
- GRAD certification with enhanced GRAD Select status
“Achieving ‘GRAD Select’ status for the Savannah Portside International Park reflects our commitment to developing a first-class, modern industrial park that meets the needs of today’s industry,” said Matt Saxon, Chairman of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority. “We’re proud of the hard work that went into achieving this designation and look forward to taking the next steps to market this certified site, positioning Effingham County to attract high-quality industrial jobs and investment.”
GRAD Select Certification Supports Faster Project Timelines
Georgia’s GRAD certification program helps communities and landowners prepare industrial sites for faster development by completing key due diligence before a company begins the site selection process.
To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, undergo third-party review and receive final approval from a board of advisors made up of public- and private-sector economic development professionals.
The GRAD Select designation indicates that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements, giving prospective industrial users greater confidence in the site’s readiness.
For site selectors and companies evaluating new locations, certified industrial sites can reduce uncertainty, shorten timelines and support faster decision-making.
Georgia Expands Certified Industrial Site Inventory
The GRAD Program includes more than 70 industrial certified sites across Georgia that are positioned for fast-track industrial projects due to completed due diligence and readiness standards.
Georgia is also investing more than $21 million to help rural communities prepare new industrial sites through the Rural Site Development Initiative. These grants support infrastructure improvements, site preparation and the addition of new GRAD-certified properties across the state.
By expanding its inventory of certified sites, Georgia is strengthening its ability to compete for advanced manufacturing, logistics, distribution, supplier operations and other major industrial projects.
Effingham County Positioned for Industrial Growth
Savannah Portside International Park’s GRAD Select status further strengthens Effingham County’s position within Georgia’s coastal industrial market.
With access to major transportation infrastructure, available acreage, utility service and proximity to the Port of Savannah, the site is well positioned to support future industrial investment and job creation.
For companies seeking speed-to-market and long-term growth capacity, the certification signals that Savannah Portside International Park is prepared to support modern industrial development.
About the Georgia Department of Economic Development
The Georgia Department of Economic Development is the state’s sales and marketing arm and lead agency for attracting new business investment, supporting existing industry and small business expansion, and locating new markets for Georgia products.
As Georgia’s official destination marketing organization, GDEcD also drives traveler visitation and promotes the state as a location for film and digital entertainment projects. The department is responsible for planning and mobilizing state resources for economic development, fostering innovation and supporting opportunities across Georgia, from the mountains to the coast.
