State Senator Larry Walker III has expressed his satisfaction with the recent announcement that Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority will be the recipient of a $2 million grant, a contribution coming from Governor Brian Kemp's Rural Site Development Initiative. According to a Senate Press release, the grant aims to spearhead essential improvements to water and sewer infrastructure at the Eastman Aerospace Park, with the development anticipated to spur significant industrial growth in the region.
Senator Walker, a staunch supporter of rural development, was quoted as saying, "As a lifelong advocate for rural development, I’m thrilled to see Dodge County receive this significant investment through the Rural Site Development Initiative," as reported by the Senate Press. This grant, according to the Senator, leverages local assets, including the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University's School of Aviation, to facilitate the attraction of aerospace and defense industries. Despite the fact that the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and Middle Georgia State University's School of Aviation are located in Dodge County, they are poised to bolster the Eastman Aerospace Park’s business prospects.
The selection of the Eastman Aerospace Park as a “GRAD Select” certified site showcases the county's strategic positioning to attract businesses within the high-demand sectors. With access to advanced infrastructure and a skilled workforce, the site represents a prime location for investment. The Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority has also contributed funds to the project, with total expenses estimated to extend beyond $2.2 million.
In praise of Governor Kemp and the concerted efforts by the Georgia General Assembly and the OneGeorgia Authority, Sen. Walker emphasized the importance of such initiatives for maintaining Georgia's status as a prime location for business. "Through strategic initiatives like this, Georgia remains the No. 1 state for business, ensuring our communities have the tools to compete on a global scale," Sen. Walker added, foreseeing the Dodge County project as a catalyst for enduring benefits to the local and wider Georgian economy, as noted by the Senate Press. Often praised for its commitment to business, Georgia continues to enact strategic initiatives ensuring the state's competitive global standing.
The significance of the Rural Site Development Initiative lies in its objective to assist communities in identifying, evaluating, and developing new industrial sites, keeping Georgia's economic development ambitions at the helm. Administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the program stands as a keystone for the state’s future industrial readiness and competitive edge.
Sen. Larry Walker III, who represents Senate District 20, also oversees several legislative committees and contributes to the state's focus on economic development as a member of the OneGeorgia Authority Overview Committee. Additional information about the senator's work and initiatives can be forwarded through [email protected], while any media inquiries are directed to [email protected].
