Georgia County Government - January 2009 - (Page 20)

BULLOCH COUNTY continued from page 19 expansion of Phase II of the Gateway Regional Industrial Park approximately 3 miles south of Statesboro. The expansion is a key element in the overall strategy to boost the attraction of related development to existing industries – and for increasing regional economic benefits. The land available in Phase I of Gateway was largely absorbed by a Wal-Mart distribution center, a Briggs and Stratton manufacturing facility, and Viracon, a fabricator of architectural glass, in the 1990s. Development of Phase II of the Gateway project will ensure adequate land for supply-chain firms and new types of industries to further boost regional economic impact. “Bulloch County has been creating jobs faster than it is adding to its population, having the effect of creating an influx of labor from surrounding counties,” says Chairman Nevil. A recent analysis of Wal-Mart, Briggs and Stratton and Viracon showed that 41 percent of their 1,600 aggregate workers lived outside the county. Both Phase I and II of Gateway will create a 972 contiguous acres “super-site” with the potential to create 1,100-plus new jobs and increase the gross regional output of Bulloch and surrounding counties by $250 million annually by 2025. These are impressive projections, indeed. The county continues to realize economic growth in its employment base, retail sales, tourism, health care and strong construction activity, and has shown growing residential and commercial development along corridors and planning areas leading to Statesboro from I-16. Georgia Southern University also continues its planned enrollment and campus expansion. Being on the boundary of the Savannah metropolitan area, officials conclude, offers regional advantages to Bulloch County, since the Savannah MSA has become the state’s fastest growing region thanks in large part to the expanding activity of the Port of Savannah. Touching Georgia Every Day You don’t have to look far for ways Burns & McDonnell touches life in Georgia. From regional airport projects and brownfield redevelopment to pure drinking water and energy services, we are committed to providing the best services possible to counties across our state. That’s important to us, because we don’t just work here; we live here, too. When we make life better in Georgia, we make it better for all of us. Experience our commitment to your success. 1000 Mansell Exchange West Suite 300 Alpharetta, GA 30022 (770) 587-4776 Engineering, Architecture, Construction, Environmental and Consulting Solutions Agriculture’s Importance Bulloch County’s expansive land area cements its place as a leader in Georgia agribusiness, even as Statesboro and south Bulloch County evolve into a metropolitan area. The county is ranked third highest in the state in total farm acreage with more than 206,000 acres, and ranks eighth in farm gate value for timber and forestry products. Farms here provide a venerable mix of row crops, livestock and poultry, and new products have also been introduced in the last generation, including sweet carrots and onions. Most recently, the winery, Meinhardt’s Vineyards in south Bulloch County has become established for its increasingly popular muscadine wines. As horses have become a leading form of livestock in the county and the region, interest has grown around proceeding with phase development for the Center for Agriculture south of Statesboro. Completion of the fi rst phase of a long-term development plan for the 50-acre tract provided a $2 million, 30,000 square-foot office and professional center for local, state and federal agencies serving agribusiness in the area that includes county extension offices, USDA and the NRCS. A 4,400-seat mixed-use arena is now 20 GEORGIA 1 406569_BurnsMcD.indd COUNTY GOVERNMENT 11/10/08 6:58:08 PM http://www.burnsmcd.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Georgia County Government - January 2009

Georgia County Government - January 2009 Contents President’s Message County Matters Forward-Thinking Bulloch County Leaders Put Progress on the Front Burner Robert Farris: Champion for Georgia’s Forests ACCG, BCBS of Georgia Work Together to Improve County Employee Health Georgia’s Grand Old Courthouses: McIntosh County Extension News: Cooperative Extension Generates ROI Research Corner: How Does Your County Rate? County Parade Index of Advertisers

Georgia County Government - January 2009

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