July 29, 2026
The Harris County Development Authority has been awarded a $54,400 Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI) Grant through the OneGeorgia Authority, as announced by Governor Brian Kemp during the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative awards. Located just minutes from Interstate 85 and approximately one hour southwest of Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Parcel G is the largest contiguous tract remaining within the Northwest Harris Business Park in West Point. The site is among the largest publicly owned sites available for industrial development in west Georgia along the I-85 corridor. "Receiving this grant is an important step in Harris County's long-term economic development strategy," said Craig Greenhaw, Chairman of the Harris County Development Authority. "This investment is about more than preparing a site, it's about creating new opportunities for quality jobs, expanding our industrial base, and strengthening our competitiveness throughout Georgia and the Southeast. We are grateful to Governor Brian Kemp, the OneGeorgia Authority, the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, our state legislative delegation, and our utility partners for their continued commitment to helping rural communities compete for transformational economic development opportunities." The project will complete the due diligence necessary to prepare the site for Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification, enhancing Harris County's ability to compete for future industrial investment and quality job creation. The Rural Site Development Initiative requires that grant-funded sites be reserved for job-creating industrial development and stipulates the site will not be developed as a data center, solar farm, or mini-storage facility. The award builds upon nearly two decades of strategic investment in the Northwest Harris Business Park, which began following the announcement of Kia Georgia in 2006. Parcel G represents the next phase of Harris County's long-term vision to create a portfolio of development-ready sites capable of attracting high-quality industrial projects. Georgia Power provided a $25,000 economic development contribution to the development authority for starting diligence on the site in 2025. "Our goal has always been to ensure Harris County is ready when opportunity knocks," said Greg Panzer, Harris County Economic Development Director. "Site selectors expect communities to have sites that are well-documented, thoroughly evaluated, and development ready. This grant allows us to complete the due diligence necessary to pursue GRAD certification, reduce development risk, and give prospective projects greater confidence in our community. Combined with our strategic location along the I-85 corridor, regional workforce, and exceptional quality of life, this investment significantly strengthens the Northwest Harris Business Park's position as one of the premier industrial development opportunities in west Georgia." The Harris County Development Authority expects to begin site diligence later this year, with the goal of pursuing GRAD certification upon completion. Achieving GRAD certification will demonstrate that Parcel G has undergone the rigorous technical evaluation required by today's industrial site selectors, providing prospective employers with greater confidence while reducing development risk. By investing in site readiness today, Harris County is positioning itself to compete for tomorrow's economic opportunities—creating quality jobs, diversifying the local tax base, and strengthening the community's economy for generations to come. For more information about the Northwest Harris Business Park or other available sites, visit https://www.GrowInHarris.com/sites