Athens-Oconee Commissioners Vote on Development Deal; Caterpillar Plant Expected

The Athens-Clarke County Commission voted Friday morning to enter into an agreement with Oconee County on economic development, and Athens and Oconee's leaders are expected to make an announcement with Gov. Nathan Deal in Atlanta later this morning.

The Oconee County Commissioners were also meeting Friday morning.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle is reporting, without attribution but without hedging, that rumors of Caterpillar announcing a major move to the Athens-Oconee area today are true.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution also reported on the issue, with details about Caterpillar's site search and the Athens-Oconee "Orkin tract" off highways 316 and 78, where the plant might be located.

An Athens Clarke County Commissioner wouldn't confirm that Caterpillar is coming but didn't deny it either. The commissioner said it was good a high-tech manufacturer was coming, and that Athens Technical College could help train workers if the company had special requirements.

A commissioner acknowledged that Athens Patch's story about the company building a manufacturing plant on the Orkin tract was correct. The Athens Banner-Herald is also reporting that Caterpillar is coming to the Orkin property.

Patch is continuing to follow the story and will update throughout the day.