Substantial regional planning efforts led by the City of Douglas, Southern Georgia Regional Commission (SGRC), and Douglas-Coffee County Economic Development Authority have enabled three grants to be awarded to the City of Douglas for Economic Development. The City of Douglas will receive approximately $5.2 million in grant funding for water and sewer expansions for economic development.
“We are very pleased with the announcement that Douglas will receive Economic Development grants. The significance of these grants proves that our federal and state leaders are committed to investing in cities,” says Mayor Tony Paulk. “Receiving the grants demonstrate that our leaders have prioritized supporting cities to encourage business and industry recruitment that creates jobs and improves our local economy. Economic development is key to ensuring growth in our city and we appreciate the magnitude of this support from our Federal and State Leaders and the Southern Georgia Regional Commission.”
The Economic Development Grants received from the State of Georgia Water and Sewer Infrastructure Committee, Georgia Department of Community Affairs OneGeorgia Equity Fund, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, will create 64 jobs and generate an estimated $45 million in private investments.
“I am laser-focused on creating jobs, supporting local businesses, and securing federal resources for our state that keep our economy moving forward, so I’m thrilled to see these investments flow to Douglas’ Barrington Agri-Business Park,” said Senator Raphael Warnock. “I’ll keep working to strengthen these and other critical investments in Georgia’s infrastructure that help keep our economy strong.”
The grant money has been allocated for water and sewer expansions at Barrington Agri-Business Park. Expansion plans include improvements in drinking water treatment, improvement of wastewater treatment, improvements in biosolids management, and improvement in the sewer systems. Funds will also be used to expand natural gas systems to support business growth.
“These three grants will be instrumental in assisting our commitment to plans for future growth in Douglas and Coffee County, Georgia,” says Charlie Davis, Douglas City Manager. “Being the recipient of grants of this magnitude will enable the city to expand infrastructure that will strengthen economic development and produce multiple jobs for our region. The investment will be felt by our community for years to come and we are very happy to receive the grants.”
The Grant funding is made possible thanks to the State of Georgia Water and Sewer Infrastructure Committee, Georgia Department of Community Affairs OneGeorgia Equity Fund, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration.