Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $1.9 Million to Support Manufacturing in Macon, Georgia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $1.9 million grant to Macon-Bibb County and Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority of Macon, Georgia, to make infrastructure improvements that will support manufacturing companies in the region. According to grantee estimates, the project is expected to create 194 jobs and spur $400 million in private investment.

“Since he took office, President Trump has worked with many communities across the country to revitalize manufacturing in the United States,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This project is an outstanding opportunity for Macon to create manufacturing jobs in the region and expand economic opportunity.”

“President Trump is a business guy and he knows we need to prioritize infrastructure projects that will have the greatest return on investment,” said Senator David Perdue. “These infrastructure improvements will generate $400 million in private investment, create hundreds of new jobs, and support American manufacturing. This is a great opportunity for Macon-Bibb County, and I appreciate the Middle Georgia Regional Commission’s continued leadership to grow our local economy.”

“This important infrastructure investment will have a great impact on jobs in Macon and middle Georgia and will help further develop our state’s manufacturing industry,” said Senator Johnny Isakson. “I thank the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration for its support of this competitive grant, which will spur additional investment in the region.”

This investment will help fund infrastructure improvements supporting a tissue product manufacturing company in Macon-Bibb’s Sofkee Industrial Park. The project will include road improvements and new rail lines leading into the park. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Middle Georgia Regional Commission. EDA funds the Middle Georgia Regional Commission to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation's regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA makes investments in economically distressed communities in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.