The Georgia Department of Economic Development, in cooperation with the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority (MBCIA), today announced that the Airport East Industrial Park and the Interstate 75 Business Park have earned a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The sites’ new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.

“Speed to market is a top priority for businesses when considering sites, and Georgia’s GRAD program gives our communities an edge in a highly competitive market for securing the jobs of tomorrow. We applaud Macon-Bibb County’s dedication to creating jobs and opportunities for their community by investing in site preparation,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “We trust each of our local partners to take the initiative to do what’s best for their community, and we work to support them to the best of our ability, whether that’s by providing certification programs to enhance their sites or by helping them connect with the right company for their community.”

The 184-acre Airport East Industrial Park, located at 3330 Airport East Drive in middle Georgia between Macon and Warner Robins, is within seven miles of both Interstate 16 and Interstate 75, with direct access to U.S. Route 129. Kohl’s Regional Merchandise Processing and Distribution Centers is the anchor tenant, and the site features an asphalt paved roadway, 8” and 12” water mains, an 8” gravity sewer collection system, and 4” natural gas line. Electrical service and telecommunication services are both available. Additionally, the Airport East Industrial Park is just over an hour’s drive to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, where 80% of the U.S. market is within a two-hour flight or two-day truck drive, and just east of the Middle Georgia Regional Airport, which offers daily flights by major carriers.

The 143-acre Interstate 75 Business Park is located at 1600 Frank Amerson Parkway between Macon and Perry on Interstate 75. All three of the remaining tracts are easily accessed by the paved interior access road. The site features 8”, 12”, and 16” water mains as well as 8” and 12” gravity sewer collection systems. The site is served by a 4” natural gas line. Electrical service and telecommunication services are both available. Additionally, the Interstate 75 Business Park is just over an hour’s drive to Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport and also near the Middle Georgia Regional Airport.

“MBCIA has worked diligently to support a business-friendly environment that supports both future and existing industries,” states Robby Fountain, Chairman of the Macon-Bibb County Industrial Authority. “Renewing Airport East Industrial Park’s GRAD-certified status and obtaining new GRAD certification for Interstate 75 Industrial Park sets Macon-Bibb County apart from other sites in the state. These certified sites show we can fast-track construction projects and showcase the standard of business we provide our industry partners.”

Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way for both community planners and land-owners to help catalyze economic growth and industrial development in their regions. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals. The GRAD Select status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements. Additional site information can be found at www.maconbibb.giswebtechguru.com.

The Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Program offers more than 60 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast-track industrial projects, thanks to prior diligence. Economic development groups and landowners interested in obtaining GRAD certification for their property are encouraged to visit www.georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application for additional information.