Word received last week that Milledgeville would get the 1,000 bed prison sought for so long by Jenkins County was disappointing news for this community. Local leaders have worked long and hard with Corrections Corporation of America (CCA), one of three companies that bid on the project, to do everything possible to secure the facility. They are to be commended for their efforts.

Despite last week’s setback, many positive things have occurred and continue to occur in this community. Now is a good time to reflect upon them.

Two additional pieces of property have been purchased by the Jenkins County Development Authority (JCDA) for development as industrial parks. The JCDA has also received a grant for construction of an entrance at one of the properties. The City of Millen has received two Department of Transportation grants for streetscape and beautification of Cotton Avenue as well as a paving contract for the street. The City is also pursuing a grant to be used to clean up the old Soc Station on Winthrope Avenue and has expanded its waste water treatment facility in anticipation of future industrial needs. The Jenkins County Commissioners secured a grant for improvements at the Jenkins County Airport.

The JCDA, Commissioners and City of Millen provided funding for needed repairs to the pool at Magnolia Springs State Park which otherwise would not have been able to open this past summer. When the state decided to close the Bo Gin Aquarium, the JCDA assumed responsibility for its operation.

Jenkins County has been designated as an Entrepreneur Friendly community and a Better Hometown. The county has also been certified as a Georgia Work Ready community through the efforts of the Jenkins County Family Enrichment Center.

The Millen-Jenkins County Chamber of Commerce has worked successfully on several projects aimed at drawing out-of-town visitors to the community. These included designation by the state as a Scenic By-Way, development of a bike lane along U.S. Highway 25, designation as a Civil War Heritage Trail, improvements at the U.S. Highway 25 Ogeechee River landing, construction of a train-viewing platform on Cotton Avenue, promotion of the city and county via an improved website, promotional brochures and promotion of the Olde Freight Depot Museum.

All of these accomplishments are working together to position this community in a more appealing manner with prospective industries and businesses as well as allowing access to state, federal and private funding sources.

Jobs will come to Jenkins County and Millen. Local leaders are determined in their efforts, and our citizens are supportive and hopeful.