Development Authority of Peach County Georgia | 425 James E. Khoury Drive | Unit B | Fort Valley, Georgia 31030 | (478) 825-3826 | peachcountydevelopment@ymail.com

Trump Administration Invests $1.4 Million in Georgia for Solar and Energy Efficiency Projects: Grant

August 19, 2020
USDA

U.S. Department of Agriculture

Rural Development Georgia

355 E. Hancock Avenue

Athens, Ga 30601

Web: https://www.rd.usda.gov/ga

 

Contact: Deborah.Callahan@usda.gov 

 

ATHENS, Ga., Aug. 19, 2020 – The Trump Administration today announced that the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $1,484,644 to improve energy efficiencies and grow renewable resources in rural Georgia.

“This program helps businesses and farmers save on their bottom line.” said USDA Rural Development State Director Joyce White, “Under the leadership of President Trump and Agriculture Secretary Perdue, USDA has been working tirelessly to be a strong partner to rural Georgia in building stronger and healthier communities, because we know when rural America thrives, all of America thrives.”

Funding for the projects announced today comes from Rural Energy for America Program (REAP) grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses. Funds may be used to pay up to 25% of the project cost for renewable energy systems or the purchase, installation, and construction of energy efficiency improvements.

This Fiscal Year in Georgia, $1,484,644 was invested in these projects; of that total, 78% of funding was for solar energy systems.  Georgia Rural Development’s full list of REAP recipients in FY2020 is shown on the attached Table. 1. Some examples of energy efficiency improvements projects follow:

In Dodge County, Curtis Davis Family Farm will use a $19,956 grant toward the replacement of a diesel motor to an electric motor for irrigation. 

In Bulloch County, the Claude Howard Lumber Company will use a $59,778 grant toward the purchase and installation of a LED lighting system throughout the business lumber yard.

In Jackson County, Cantrell Forest Products, Inc. will use $122,208 grant toward the purchase of a drum chipper. This chipper is projected to generate 60,000 tons per year of wood chips.

For more information about REAP in Georgia, contact Joseph Anderson, Energy Coordinator at (706) 552-2560 or email joseph.anderson@usda.gov.

USDA Rural Development provides loans and grants to help expand economic opportunities and create jobs in rural areas. This assistance supports infrastructure improvements; business development; housing; community facilities such as schools, public safety and health care; and high-speed internet access in rural areas. For more information, visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/ga  

If you’d like to subscribe to USDA Rural Development updates, visit our GovDelivery subscriber page.

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USDA is an equal opportunity provider, employer, and lender.

Table 1: Rural Development REAP Grants Awarded in the Fiscal Year 2020 - Georgia 

GA/Appling

EASON, ROGER DAVID

$32,500.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 67.5 KW solar energy replacement system in Appling County, Georgia. David Eason operates a small family farm of row crops in Surrency, GA.   This project will replace 108,582 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power ten homes and will realize $11,944 in savings per year.

GA/Banks

TACTO FAMILY FARMS LLC

$30,975.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural mall businesses develop renewable energy systems, and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. Tacto Family Farms LLC is a poultry farm in Banks County, Georgia. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 58.8 kW solar array. This project will realize $8,334 per year in savings and will replace 91,270 kWh per year, enough to power eight homes.

GA/Barrow

CANTSINK MANUFACTURING II, LLC

$124,456.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. Cantsink Manufacturing II, Inc, is a construction company in Barrow County, Georgia. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 158 kW solar array. This project will realize $29,323 per year in savings and will replace 181,120 kWh per year, enough to power 16 homes.

GA/Bulloch

CLAUDE HOWARD LUMBER COMPANY, INC.

$59,778.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install LED lighting throughout the business lumber yard. This project will save the company $57,177 per year and will replace 903,508 kWh (4%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 83 homes. 

GA/Candler

TRAPNELL-TOMLINSON COMPANY

$19,250.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 28kW solar array on the property of Trapnell-Tomlinson Company at 212 East Broad St., Metter, Candler County, Georgia.  This project will replace 43,720 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power four homes, and will realize $7,084 of savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Decatur

CHARLES A. MCCANN

$33,750.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 60 KW solar energy replacement system in Decatur County, Georgia. Charles A. McCann operates a small to medium family farm specializing in poultry production in Bainbridge, GA.  This project will replace 97,388 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power nine homes, and will realize $11,609 in savings per year.

GA/Decatur

BARBER, JEFFERY L

$47,250.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 90 KW solar energy replacement system in Decatur County, Georgia. Jeffery L. Barber operates a small family farm of chicken/poultry houses in Brinson, GA.  This project will replace 147,598 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power thirteen homes and will realize $16,235 in savings per year.

GA/Dodge

SANDERS, LARRY J

$6,557.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the replacement of a diesel to electric irrigation motor.  Larry J. Sanders operates a medium family-owned farm specializing in row crops.  This project will realize $9,975 per year in savings and will save the equivalent of 212,494 kWh of electricity per year (92.26%) which is enough electricity to power nineteen homes. The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Dodge

CURTIS DAVIS FAMILY FARM, LLC

$19,956.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the replacement of a diesel to electric irrigation motor.  Curtis Davis Family Farm LLC is a medium family-owned farm specializing in row crops.  This project will realize $12,552 per year in savings and will save the equivalent of 229,982 kWh of electricity per year (96%) which is enough electricity to power twenty-one homes.   The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Franklin

MITCHELL, ALAN DAVID

$53,890.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install new roll seal end doors, new fiberglass wall insulation, fiberglass ceiling insulation, new radiant brooders, new tunnel doors, new LED lighting with a computerized energy-control system. This project will save the farm $18,104 per year and will replace 172,335 kWh (31.83%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 15 homes.

GA/Glynn

EXIT SIX MINI STORAGE, INC.

$12,500.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 20kW solar array on the property of Exit Six Mini Storage Inc., at 260 South Port Parkway, Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. This project will replace 30,629 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes, and will realize $2,098 of savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Glynn

SOUTHEAST GEORGIA VETERINARY CLINIC

$21,600.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 37.23kW solar array in Glynn County, Georgia.  Southeast Georgia Veterinary Clinic is an S-Corporation small business Animal Veterinary Office.  This project will replace 50,332 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power four homes, and will realize $6,545 of savings per year.

GA/Grady

SOUTHEAST QUALITY PROPANE, LLC

$20,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 15.12 kW solar array on the business of Southeast Quality Propane, LLC.  This project will generate 30,490 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes, and will realize $5,150 of income per year. 

GA/Hart

MARTIN DAIRY, LLP

$86,758.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. Martin Dairy LLP is a dairy farm in Hart County, Georgia. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 157.1 kW solar array. This project will realize $27,083 per year in savings and will replace 244,432 kWh per year, enough to power 22 homes.

GA/Jackson

CANTRELL FOREST PRODUCTS, INC

$122,208.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase a new Bandit Model 2590 drum chipper. This chipper is projected to generate 60,000 tons per year of wood chips, which will realize $398,524 in net income, and will produce 150,000 mWh per year, enough to power 13,888 homes. 

GA/Jeff Davis

ATKINS FARMS

$22,500.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 40kW solar array in Jeff Davis County, Georgia.  Atkins Farms is a small family farm in poultry production.  This project will replace 55,914 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power five homes, and will realize $6,146 of savings per year.

GA/Lamar

THOMAS A & GLENDA R HADDOCK LLC

$111,725.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.  Thomas A Haddock & Glenda R Haddock LLC is a poultry farm in Lamar County, Georgia.  Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 218 kW solar array.  This project will realize $26,252 per year in savings and will replace 353,838 kWh per year, enough to power 32 homes.

GA/Macon

YODER, ANDREW

$87,675.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 167 KW solar energy replacement system in Macon County, Georgia. Andrew Yoder operates a small family farm of poultry production in Montezuma, GA.  This project consists of two different addresses in the same county.   This project will replace 267,755 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power twenty-four homes and will realize $27,868 in savings per year.

GA/Madison

3 PORCH FARM INC.

$5,522.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 13.23 KW solar energy generation system for 3 Porch Farms in Madison County, Georgia.  This project will replace 18,484 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power one home and will realize $1,808 in savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.  

GA/Madison

HALL, FREDERICK

$20,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 77kW solar energy replacement system in Danielsville, Georgia.  This project will replace 191,500 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power 17 homes, and will realize $8,229 in savings per year. The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. 

GA/McDuffie

TWO STATE CONSTRUCTION COMPANY INC

$49,662.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to purchase and install a 96.36 kW solar array. This project will realize $17,221 per year in savings and will replace 143,508 kWh per year. enough to power 13 homes. 

GA/Mitchell

COVEYRISE PLANTATION, INC.

$19,800.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 32.9 kW solar array on the CoveyRise Plantation 3929 River Rd., Camilla   Mitchell County, Georgia.  This project will replace 53,530 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power five homes and will realize $6,424 of savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Pierce

BRANDON LIGHTSEY FARMS, LLC

$47,500.00

The purpose of this funding program is to purchase and install an 80 KW solar energy replacement system in Pierce County, Georgia. Brandon Lightsey Farms, LLC is a small family farm of poultry production in Bristol, GA.   This project will replace 162,218 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power fifteen homes and will realize $16,221 in savings per year.

GA/Spalding

S&T GREEN GATE FARM LLC

$30,800.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations. S&T Green Gate Farm LLC is a poultry farm. Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 56.24 kW solar array. This project will realize $8,786 per year in savings and will replace 87,359 kWh per year, enough to power eight homes.

GA/Sumter

CLIENT FIRST INSURANCE SOLUTIONS, LLC

$12,006.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 14.15kW solar array on the property of Client First Insurance Solutions, LLC.  Client First Insurance Solutions, LLC is a small business insurance services company.  This project will replace 13,060 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power one home, and will realize $1,631 of savings per year.

GA/Tattnall

BOYETT FARMS INC.

$9,250.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 21kW solar array on the property of Boyette Farms, Inc. at 171 Lazy K. Lane Reidsville, Tattnall County, Georgia. This project will replace 33,101 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes and will realize $3,642 of savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Tattnall

HILLIARD, BENJAMIN

$30,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 78 KW solar energy replacement system in Tattnall County, Georgia. Benjamin Hilliard operates a small family farm of poultry production in Glennville, GA.   This project will replace 101,057 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power nine homes and will realize $11,116 in savings per year.

GA/Tattnall

FENNELL FARMS, LLC

$22,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 40kW solar array in Tattnall County, Georgia.  Fennell Farms, LLC is a small family farm in poultry production.  This project will replace 62,734 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power five homes and will realize $9,410 of savings per year.

GA/Tattnall

ABUNDANT GRACE FARM, LLC

$22,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 45 KW solar energy replacement system in Tattnall County, Georgia. Abundant Grace Farm, LLC is a small family farm of poultry production in Reidsville, GA.  This project will replace 67,620 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power six homes and will realize $7,101 in savings per year.

GA/Terrell

RAINEY FINANCE, INC.

$9,728.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of LED lighting throughout the interior of the business. This project will realize $16,140 per year in savings and will replace 28,813 kWh (19%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 2 homes.   The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Terrell

5DOWN AUTO SALES, INC.

$20,000.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of LED lighting throughout the interior of the business. This project will realize $24,656 per year in savings and will replace 145,011 kWh (77%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 13 homes.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Thomas

WILLIAMS LAND HOLDINGS, INC.

$15,324.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 7.56 kW solar array on the small business of Williams Land Holdings, Inc.  This project will generate 15,326 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power one home, and will realize $2,528 of income per year. 

GA/Toombs

MANNING POULTRY, LLC

$11,250.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 20 KW solar array for two broiler poultry houses.  Manning Poultry, LLC is a newly formed (2018) beginning farmer, family-owned farm.  This project will generate 36,801 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes, and will realize $4,417 of income per year. 

GA/Towns

BREWBERRY FARMS LLC

$6,100.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses develop renewable energy systems, and make energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.  Brewberry Farms LLC is a berry farm in Towns County, Georgia.  Project funds will be used to purchase and install a 9.92 kW solar array.  This project will realize $1,629 per year of income and will generate 18,104 kWh per year, enough to power one home.

GA/Turner

ASHBURN SOLAR, LLC

$106,250.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 340 KW solar energy generation system in Turner County, Georgia.  Ashburn Solar, LLC is a small business with an emphasis on solar power generation.  This project will generate 599,662 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power 55 homes, and will realize $68,961 in income per year.

GA/Union

BOUDREAU, LYNNAE

$7,375.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 9.92 kW solar array on Sigma Farm.  This project will generate 14,797 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power one home, and will realize $1,331 of income per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Union

LESTER & LESTER ENTERPRISES, LLC

$4,650.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 9.92 kW solar array on the business property of Lester & Lester Enterprises, LLC (Mountain Top Furniture).  This project will generate 19,856 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power one home, and will realize $1,607 of income per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Wayne

MARK D. BYRON, MD, PC

$9,187.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 15.33kW solar array in Wayne County, Georgia.  This project will replace 21,989 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power three homes and will realize $2,639 of savings per year.  The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Wayne

NESMITH CHEVROLET BUICK GMC OF JESUP INC

$10,473.00

This Rural Development investment will be used to make energy efficiency improvements with the purchase and installation of LED lighting throughout the car lot. This project will realize $11,130 per year in savings, and will replace 110,203 kWh (26%) per year, which is enough electricity to power 10 homes.   The purpose of this funding program is to assist farmers, ranchers, and rural small businesses in developing renewable energy systems, and in making energy-efficiency improvements to their operations.

GA/Wayne

WOLFE ANIMAL HOSPITAL

$26,875.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 43kW solar array in Wayne County, Georgia.  Wolfe Animal Hospital is an S-Corporation small business Animal Veterinary Office.  This project will replace 64,246 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power six homes and will realize $6,425 of savings per year.

GA/Wayne

CROSSROADS BROILERS, INC.

$21,500.00

This Rural Development investment will be used for the purchase and installation of a 45 KW solar energy replacement system in Wayne County, Georgia. Crossroads Broilers, Inc. is a small business that operates a chicken production broiler operation in Jesup, GA.  This project will replace 71,080 kWh per year, which is enough electricity to power six homes and will realize $7,463 in savings per year.

Table 1 Rural Development REAP Grants Awarded Fiscal Year 2020 - Georgia.pdf

  • Georgia Advantages
    Georgia Advantages
  • Incentives
    Incentives
  • Labor and Data
    Labor and Data
  • Workforce and Training
    Workforce and Training
  • Target Industry
    Target Industry
  • Sites and Buildings
    Sites and Buildings
News and Events

Oct 10 | Gov. Kemp: Audi AG Selects Georgia to Invest $4 Billion in First US Manufacturing Facility

 

ATLANTA – Governor Brian P. Kemp and Gernot Döllner, CEO and Chairman of the Board of Management of AUDI AG, announced that Audi will open its first U.S. manufacturing facility in the State of Georgia. Headquartered in Ingolstadt, Germany, Audi plans to invest approximately $4 billion in a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility at the Middle Georgia Megasite, delivering approximately 4,500 new jobs to middle Georgia.

“We are proud that Audi has selected Georgia as the home of their first U.S. manufacturing facility, delivering truly historic investment and jobs to middle Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “Following the success we've enjoyed with other megasites, we purchased and made more improvements to the Middle Georgia Megasite for just this purpose: to bring a job-creating, high-caliber automotive manufacturer to this region. I want to thank the countless professionals from Peach, Macon-Bibb, and Houston counties in the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA who helped make this happen. We are excited for hardworking Georgians in Peach County and the entire middle Georgia region to benefit from this project for decades to come. On behalf of the State of Georgia, we are honored to welcome Audi to our state!” 

“We have much greater ambitions for Audi in America, and Georgia will play a central role in making them a reality. With its strong business environment, skilled workforce, and shared ambition, the state is an ideal partner for Audi,” said CEO Döllner. “We are proud to bring our engineering excellence and pioneering spirit to Georgia. Together, we want to create something that goes far beyond a manufacturing plant: a new home for Audi in America, opportunities for thousands of people and a strong foundation for long-term growth. This investment will bring us closer to our customers and strengthen Audi's competitiveness around the world.”

With cutting-edge premium SUVs tailored to North American customers and manufactured locally, Audi aims to unlock significant growth potential in one of the world's most important premium markets. Audi expects to begin grading in 2027 and construction on the new facility in 2028. Full production is expected in 2031 at an annual capacity of 200,000 units.

The facility will be designed around Audi’s future manufacturing requirements, with a focus on efficiency, flexibility, and the ability to respond to evolving customer needs and market demand.

The company is known for its sporty vehicles, progressive design, high build quality, and the slogan “Vorsprung durch Technik” (Progress through Technology). The Audi Group also includes the brands Bentley, Lamborghini, and Ducati.

“We invest in our workforce programs to create opportunities for Georgians,” said Lt. Gov. Burt Jones. “Governor Kemp’s leadership has positioned Georgia as the home for world-class companies. Congratulations to Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for the future they are building together. Projects like these help small businesses, school systems, and local governments provide more services to local residents, and we look forward to seeing them working within their communities to capitalize on this opportunity.” 

“Georgia has a strong commitment to managing our resources wisely and planning responsibly for the future as we work to bring good-paying jobs and economic opportunity to rural communities across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “I applaud Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties for upholding that commitment and working together to lay the foundation for future generations of Georgians to build careers, raise their families, and succeed in the communities they call home.”

In choosing Georgia, Audi cited speed-to-market, workforce, access to consumer markets, and proximity to an established automotive supply chain.

Developed and marketed by the Development Authority of Peach County in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, comprised of Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties, over the last several years alongside the state, the Middle Georgia Megasite offers the speed-to-market requirements for Audi AG’s goals. Industrial utilities are adjacent to the site, and extensive due diligence reports have been completed, enabling the company to construct its brand-new facility on a rapid timeline.

“The decision by Audi realizes the vision we had for the Middle Georgia Megasite – an innovative, global automotive OEM that will position the region as a premier hub for innovation and industry,” said Roy Lewis, Chairman of the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA and the Peach County Board of Commissioners. “When we formed the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, we set out to build a more resilient regional economy and secure major projects that will benefit our families and our workforce for decades. We are excited to continue conversations with Audi, the State of Georgia, and countless regional and state partners to build out programs that will prepare Georgians for the high-skill jobs of the future.” 

Georgia Quick Start will work with Audi to develop a customized training curricula and design a designated training facility. It will also partner with local campuses in the Technical College System of Georgia to begin employee instruction on tailored curriculum as the training facility is constructed. Competitive wages for all roles will be well-paying in the local market.

The Middle Georgia Megasite is well-positioned for connectivity to domestic and international markets. Both the Port of Savannah and the Port of Brunswick can easily be reached by rail in less than 5 hours. The site has access to Norfolk Southern Class I rail.  The busiest and most efficient passenger airport in the world, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, is a 90-minute drive, and two regional airports are within 25 minutes of the Middle Georgia Megasite.

“We are excited to welcome Audi as a neighbor,” said Mark Sanchez, CEO of Southern Orchard Management. “We are so proud to work with Peach County, the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, and the State of Georgia on the Middle Georgia Megasite, because it has given us an opportunity to be part of a historic moment for the very community that has supported our own growth and success over the years. We hope that in the future, when people think of Audi, they think of Georgia peaches, too!” 

The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) was represented by Global Commerce Assistant Director Virginia Sengewald; in partnership with the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA, which includes Houston, Macon-Bibb, and Peach counties; the Technical College System of Georgia; Georgia Quick Start; University System of Georgia; Georgia Department of Transportation; Georgia Ports Authority; Georgia Environmental Protection Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources; Norfolk Southern; Georgia’s Germany-based Europe Office; and Georgia Power.

“Audi’s decision to establish its first U.S. manufacturing facility in Georgia is a historic milestone for our state and a transformational opportunity for Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Georgia’s success is built on long-term investments, trusted international relationships, and partnerships that bring communities together around a shared vision for the future. The relationships we began building decades ago, combined with the work our state and local partners have done to prepare this site, have positioned the region to compete for a project of this scale. Ultimately, this is why we do what we do, particularly in rural communities. Economic development is about more than the jobs and investment announced today. It is about strengthening communities, creating opportunities for families, and ensuring that future generations can build their lives and their futures close to home. We look forward to building a lasting partnership with Audi and the communities of Middle Georgia.”

About Audi AG

Audi combines premium mobility with technological progress and pioneering design. For more than five decades, “Vorsprung durch Technik” has embodied Audi’s technological ambitions. Audi offers a broad portfolio of premium vehicles for different customer needs and regional requirements. The Audi Group operates in more than 110 markets, manufactures vehicles at 21 production sites in twelve countries, and employs more than 88,000 people worldwide. The brand’s history dates back to 1909. Since 2026, Audi has also competed in Formula 1 with its factory team. In addition to the Audi brand, the Audi Group includes the sports-car manufacturer Lamborghini, the luxury brand Bentley, and the motorcycle manufacturer Ducati. Find out more about the Audi Group here.

About the Mid-Georgia Gateway JDA

The Mid-Georgia Gateway Joint Development Authority (MGGJDA) is a unified regional partnership between Peach, Houston, and Macon-Bibb counties. By combining strategic resources and workforce pipelines, MGGJDA offers a seamless, comprehensive solution for major industrial prospects. MGGJDA’s primary mission is the collaborative development and marketing of the Middle Georgia Megasite located in Peach County. Through this three-county partnership, incoming businesses receive dedicated support from site acquisition to long-term workforce recruitment. For inquiries and more information, please visit mggjda.com.

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Oct 10 | Blue Bird Invests $300 Million in Peach County

 

ATLANTA – October 21, 2026 – Governor Brian P. Kemp today announced that Blue Bird Corporation (Blue Bird), a technology leader and innovator of school buses, is expanding its existing footprint in Peach County. The company plans to invest an estimated $300 million in a new manufacturing facility in Fort Valley, creating 375 new jobs over the next three years.

“For nearly 100 years, Blue Bird has been an incredible part of Georgia’s story, and now that story will continue to be written for years to come,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “We are proud when our long-time partners can grow and adapt to changing markets right here in the Peach State, and this expansion is the latest example that our pro-business environment is fostering sustained success for our business partners. I want to congratulate Blue Bird, Fort Valley, and Peach County on this announcement and their continued prosperity.”

Blue Bird school buses are available in a wide range of options and configurations to meet the diverse needs of school districts worldwide. The company has set industry standards through innovative design, engineering excellence, and advanced manufacturing capabilities, and currently supports more than 1,900 employees in Georgia.

“Georgia is where Blue Bird was born, and it has been our home for nearly 100 years. Every bus that rolls out of our plant carries the pride of the people across Middle Georgia who build it,” said John Wyskiel, President and CEO of Blue Bird Corporation. “Our new facility in Fort Valley is our way of investing back into the community where we will continue to build more of the safe, dependable buses that school districts rely on, so we can keep getting children to school safely for the next hundred years.”

Blue Bird will convert a former manufacturing site for diesel-powered motorhomes at 401 Wanderlodge Way in Fort Valley into a new facility to build buses of all powertrains. The new, 1-million-square-foot manufacturing facility will produce Type C school buses, including diesel, gasoline, propane, and electric-powered models. Construction is expected to begin in Q1 2027. The company will be hiring for manufacturing, operations, and technician roles. To learn more about Blue Bird, including where interested individuals can apply for jobs, visit www.blue-bird.com/careers.

“For generations, Fort Valley has helped Blue Bird move America forward. Today, Blue Bird is helping Fort Valley move toward a new century of possibilities,” said Fort Valley Mayor Shakeena B. Reeves. “May the next 100 years be defined not only by the buses we manufacture, but by the families we strengthen, the opportunities we create, and the future we build together.”

“Peach County is proud to be home to Blue Bird, and this massive $300 million expansion and creation of 375 new jobs is a monumental win for our entire community,” said Commissioner Roy Lewis, Peach County Board of Commissioners. “This investment underscores the strength of our local workforce and our collaborative partnership with state and local leaders. We look forward to seeing Blue Bird continue to thrive right here in Fort Valley.”

Regional Project Manager Candice Scott represented the Georgia Department of Economic Development’s (GDEcD) Global Commerce team on this competitive project in partnership with the Development Authority of Peach County and Georgia Quick Start.

“Since 1927, Blue Bird has been one of Georgia’s longest-standing automotive manufacturers, evolving with the industry while continuing to grow in Fort Valley and Middle Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “For nearly 100 years, families across America have placed their trust in Blue Bird every school day, entrusting these buses to safely carry their children to and from school. It’s remarkable to see that legacy continuing to create jobs and opportunity in a rural Georgia community, and to see Blue Bird continuing to invest and grow in the place it has called home for generations. Congratulations to Blue Bird on its upcoming centennial and to our local partners in Fort Valley and Peach County who have helped make this remarkable legacy possible.”

About Blue Bird Corporation

Blue Bird is recognized as a technology leader and innovator of school buses since its founding in 1927. Their dedicated team members design, engineer, and manufacture school buses with a singular focus on safety, reliability, and durability. School buses carry the most precious cargo in the world – 25 million children twice a day – making them the most trusted mode of student transportation. The company is a proven leader in low-and-zero-emission school buses with more than 25,000 propane, natural gas, and electric-powered buses sold. Blue Bird is transforming the student transportation industry through cleaner energy solutions. For more information on Blue Bird’s complete product and service portfolio, visit www.blue-bird.com.

 

 

 

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Call: (478) 825-3826 or peachcountydevelopment@ymail.com425 James E. Khoury DriveUnit BFort Valley, Georgia 31030