Savannah Standard

Bryan County in Georgia recently obtained a $60 million loan from the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority (GEFA). Local leaders hope that the project will help cater to the demands of expanding local infrastructure amid rapid industrial growth in the county.

"The funding provided by GEFA is a transformative milestone for Bryan County. As we strive to meet the growing needs of our community, this will enable us to expand our infrastructure while maintaining our priority of environmental stewardship. Furthermore, it embodies responsible growth and fiscal prudence and sets a strong example for responsible development throughout our state", said Representative Watson according to a press release by the Georgia General Assembly.

The funding from GEFA will facilitate the building of a critical wastewater treatment facility within the Hyundai mega site, supporting the Hyundai manufacturing plant and nearby commercial developments near the I-16 mega site, reported by Georgia General Assembly.

GEFA offers financing options for accommodating energy, land, and water projects which include low-interest funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy ventures in local government facilities, permanent land conservation endeavors like fee-title purchases and easement acquisitions, as well as various infrastructure projects covering water, wastewater reservoirs, water supply, stormwater management, and solid waste initiatives.

A news report from Savannah Now in Feb. 2023 stated that Hyundai EV plant in Bryan County is expected to be three times bigger than Montgomery plant. The project aims to employ 8,100 workers across an electric vehicle assembly plant and an adjacent EV battery factory making it as Georgia's most significant economic development project so far.

Senator Ben Watson chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Human Services representing the 1st Senate District encompassing Bryan and Liberty counties as well as half of Chatham County as per a press release by Georgia General Assembly.