The Georgia Rural Economic Development Center (GREDC) announced in November that the Jenkins County Industrial Development Authority has been awarded a grant for $37,500. Grants are provided through the Economic Development Initiatives and Research Grant Program of GREDC.

These funds will be used to employ an engineering firm to develop plans and specifications for infrastructure (water, sewage and roads) for the Jenkins County Industrial Park expansion.

The 96-acre addition to the Industrial Park was purchased in 2004 with funds from the OneGeorgia grant. Millen Better Hometown applied for the GREDC grant on behalf of the Industrial Development Authority.

The purpose of the grant program is to provide funds for economic development research and initiatives to the rural, economically challenged areas of Georgia. Priority is given to innovative projects that lead directly to job creation/retention, business development for low and moderate income citizens, joint projects by multiple communities and to projects that can be easily replicated in other rural communities. The project should promote economic strength, as well as develop innovative, practical strategies that promote sustained growth for the communities. The proposed Jenkins County project includes wetland delineation and certification, surveying, preliminary engineering plans and final engineering plans. This project is the first step necessary in developing the property for industrial use. The total cost of the project will be approximately $50,000. The Jenkins County Industrial Development Authority will provide the required 25 percent match of $12,500. The project should be completed by June 2006.