Friday, February 17, 2012
Here's the official release from the governments.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Friday, February 17, 2012
Text of official release from Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties (see details of the deal in the PDF under the photos): Governor Nathan Deal, Athens-Clarke County Mayor Nancy Denson, and Oconee County Chairman Melvin Davis announced on Friday, February 17, 2012 the selection of Athens-Clarke and Oconee Counties as the location of a Caterpillar plant to be built on the Orkin property near the intersection of old US 29 and Georgia 316. “We are excited about our two counties coming together to support this project because of the opportunity it brings to enhance our local industrial base,” said Mayor Denson. “This project brings back some of the traditional manufacturing jobs we have lost over the past decades and gives a significant number …
The counties will buy a portion of the "Orkin tract" and lease the 265 acres to the construction equipment manufacturer, Oconee Commissioner Jim Luke says.
The Development Authorities of Oconee and Athens-Clarke counties are purchasing a portion of the privately owned 940-acre Orkin tract where Ga. Highway 316 and US Highway 78 meet and will lease* about 250 acres to heavy machine maker Caterpillar for a manufacturing facility, Oconee County Commissioner Jim Luke said on Friday. Caterpillar will bring about 1,400 jobs, Luke said. The counties are agreeing to provide road structure and tax abatements as an incentive, splitting the costs 50-50, Luke said. Financial details are expected to be released later today. Luke said the land portion of the approximately 250 acres is slightly larger in Athens-Clarke and the building will be slightly larger in Oconee. Oconee will provide water and sewer …
Local leaders are scheduled to be at an announcement with Gov. Nathan Deal in Atlanta this morning before finalizing the agreement this afternoon.
- GOVERNMENT
-
Friday, February 17, 2012
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…
Thursday, February 16, 2012
Rumors fly that a company is heading to the Orkin tract.
Things have been busy in Athens the last few months. Let’s connect the dots and see what we get, if anything. Folks have been working on a big industrial revenue bond. Helicopters landed in the soccer fields near Bishop Park a few weeks ago. People got out and got into cars that whisked them away. The helicopters took off. Tomorrow morning, there’s a meeting of the Athens Clarke County Commission at 8am. First, to discuss a real estate matter in a closed session. Then to vote on that matter in an open commission meeting. In Oconee County, the Commissioners are also holding an early morning meeting, and the Industrial Authority is meeting tonight. What does it mean? The timing of the meetings—who in local government meets early on Friday …
James Tola
12:36 am on Wednesday, March 28, 2012
This is fantastic news for the entire region with jobs spilling over into Hall and northeast Gwinnett and beyond! Being a Realtor I see this as a huge shot in the arm for many families and communities in northeast Georgia. more ›