The Georgia Department of Economic Development, in cooperation with the Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority, today announced that the Forward Fitzgerald site has earned a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The site’s new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.
“From manufacturing to food processing, speed to market is a top priority during the site selection process, and the GRAD program is a way for local partners to proactively pursue opportunities for their community,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County Development Authority has successfully created jobs through sustainable industry development, earning the Georgia Economic Developers Association’s 2022 Deal of the Year Award for a small community. We are excited to add another asset to Georgia’s portfolio, and we look forward to continuing to work with the City of Fitzgerald and Ben Hill County!”
The 54-acre Forward Fitzgerald site is located at 351 Jacksonville Highway in Fitzgerald, a South Georgia community between Tifton and the Georgia Ports in Savannah and Brunswick, which are an estimated two hours from the site. The site is approximately 30 minutes from Interstate 75 and fronts U.S. Route 319. In addition, Forward Fitzgerald is less than 10 minutes from the Fitzgerald Municipal Airport. Within the next 12 months, the site will experience nearly $6 million in infrastructure enhancements, giving it some of the most modern infrastructure in South Georgia.
“The site’s GRAD certification is a boost to the wave of momentum that our community is riding from nearly $250 million in ongoing industrial investment. Major developments in wood products, plastics, and food and beverage processing have sparked our regional economy,” said…
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