SCDA Issues Report to City, County Commissioners

Local leaders receive an update from the Stephens County Development Authority.

Development Authority Executive Director Tim Martin spoke with Toccoa City Commissioners on Monday and Stephens County Commissioners on Tuesday.

Martin said that while the announcement from Caterpillar that it is closing its Stephens County facility over the next two years, costing the county about 120 jobs, remains front and center, there have been some positive trends in the last six months as well.

“In the past six months, as far as economic development matters are concerned, we have had as many projects that we have talked to, that we have worked with, as we have had in any 12-month period since I have been here,” said Martin. “In terms of new investments and new jobs in the last six months, we have had as many as we have had in the last two years combined.”

That said, Martin said the Development Authority continues to keep in contact with Caterpillar officials about what will be happening there.

Martin said much remains unclear, including whether Caterpillar will sell the building or keep it in their possession.

He went on to say that while the recent news has been a setback, it is important to move forward.

“Let’s work through this,” said Martin. “Let’s be smart. Let’s be diligent. There is an awful lot we can be thankful for.”

Elsewhere, Martin updated city and county commissioners on a number of projects underway in the area.

One of the main ones that the Development Authority is working on is the expansion of sewer service on the Toccoa By-pass from Big A Road to Highway 106.

Martin said the Development Authority hopes to put the first phase out to bid soon.

“Around the first of April is when we are expecting to put the project out on the street to contractors,” said Martin.

The estimated cost of that project is currently $4.5 million.

Martin said they continue to seek funding sources to cover that full amount, while also hoping that bids come in under that engineer’s estimate.

Martin said the Development Authority also continues to monitor and is excited by the progress taking place on the Highway 17 widening project in Stephens County.