Governor Brian Kemp (R-GA) announced a new round of grants from the Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) operated by the OneGeorgia Authority, totaling $7.8 million for ten local projects across the state.
How much has the State invested in total? With this latest round of grants, the State of Georgia has invested $28 million into rural site development projects since the program's launch in Fiscal Year 2025.
What key figures are saying:
- Gov. Brian Kemp: “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. 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 (R-GA): “Rural site development grants are essential to Georgia’s growth, productivity, and sustainability. 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.”
- Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson: “Over the last several years, GRAD sites have helped attract an estimated 10,000 jobs to communities across the state. Proactive economic development planning, including through shovel-ready sites, strengthens our entire portfolio and competitiveness as a state.”
Context: RSDI grants are awarded for site improvement and for assisting with the costs of Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification on approved projects critical to economic development in that area of the state.
Eligible activities for use of grant funds include site studies, land grading, and other essential community infrastructure efforts that support site development.
Communities match state funding at various levels, based on the GRAD program's criteria. A major example of this program is found in Columbus, GA.
The Development Authority of Columbus in west Georgia was awarded $2 million for site improvement work, including clearing and grading, at the GRAD-certified Muscogee Technology Park. The total project costs are $10 million.
