Press Release

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $2 Million to Grow Manufacturing Sector in Lavonia, Georgia

WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross announced that the Department’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $2 million grant to the city of Lavonia, Georgia, to make critical wastewater infrastructure improvements needed to support development of the Gateway Industrial Park. This grant will be matched with $2.6 million in local investment, and is expected to attract an eventual $54 million in private investment and create 400 jobs.

“The Trump Administration has made great strides rebuilding America’s manufacturing sector across the country,” said Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. “This investment in Lavonia’s Gateway Industrial Park will help build the infrastructure necessary for businesses to invest and for industry to expand.”

“I applaud the Trump Administration’s commitment to critically important infrastructure projects and long-term economic success for communities like the City of Lavonia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This grant will incentivize businesses to invest in this region and spur the creation of 400 jobs for hardworking Georgians. Our state is deeply grateful for the President’s leadership, and I look forward to our continued partnership on similar initiatives.”

“I thank Secretary Ross and the Trump administration for once again demonstrating their commitment to manufacturing and infrastructure with this meaningful investment in Georgia’s future,” said U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson. “Public-private partnerships like this one make a difference in our communities, and people in northeast Georgia will benefit from the additional jobs supported by this project.”

“The Trump Administration continues to deliver on its promise to make Georgia’s infrastructure needs a priority,” said U.S. Senator David Perdue (R-GA). “This public-private partnership will help keep development of the Gateway Industrial Park on track and provide the area with opportunities for greater economic growth. This is a huge win for the community, and I want to thank President Trump and Secretary Ross for their efforts to support American workers and businesses.”

“This $2 million investment in Lavonia’s critical wastewater infrastructure will have a significant impact on the city and will bring hundreds of new jobs to the Ninth District,” said Rep. Doug Collins (GA-09). “I want to thank Secretary Ross and the Trump Administration for their continued commitment to improving infrastructure and expanding economic opportunity in Northeast Georgia and beyond.”

This project will fund wastewater infrastructure improvements to the city’s Gateway Industrial Park. The increased capacity will allow manufacturers in the region to expand operations and make the park more resilient to severe weather events. This project was made possible by the regional planning efforts led by the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission. EDA funds the Georgia Mountains Regional Commission to help 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.