Development Authority receives $2.9 million grant for infrastructure improvements

The Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority has received a nearly $3 million federal grant for infrastructure improvements to the Ga. 257 Rail Served Site. 

The grant, announced Tuesday, was awarded by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Economic Development Administration. The funding will support the upcoming Hwashin auto part manufacturing facility as well as further prepare the site to attract potential investors.

“The funding awarded today from the Economic Development Administration and the U.S. Department of Commerce will help fulfill the commitment for infrastructure for Hwashin Georgia Corporation, said Roger Folsom, who chairs development authority’s governing board. “This is the largest grant award ever received by the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority, and we are grateful for the assistance received from our federal, state and local partners.” 

Construction continues of the Hwashin plant site, a $176 million facility that is expected to create 460 jobs. The funding will go toward building roads, a sewer network and storm water runoff system on the 331-acre site at the intersection of U.S. 441 and Ga. 257. 

“The infrastructure that will be constructed as a result of this project will support Hwashin Georgia Corporation and provide vital capacity building infrastructure essential for continued development for future industrial industrial growth at the Site,” said development authority president Ryan Waldrep. 

The grant must be matched by $1.1 million in local funding. Waldrep said the authority is seeking additional grant funding to provide those funds. A $600,000 grant from the Southern Crescent Regional Commission has already been obtained and other funding source applications are pending. 

“We are going to reduce the local cash expense as much as possible,” he said.