The first phase of construction of the parkway leading into Stanton Springs is nearing completion. With its completion, officials say they are being contacted by an increasing number of prospects interested in locating to the industrial park.

According to Reese Waite, vice president of TPA, the firm developing Stanton Springs, the first phase of the parkway is expected to be completed by the middle of January and will lead 1.1 miles into the interior of Stanton Springs. Construction on the parkway first began in September 2006.

Once fully complete the parkway will be two miles long and four lanes wide with a divided medium.

Waite said TPA is working closely with the Georgia Department of Economic Development on putting together proposals to submit to companies interested in locating to Stanton Springs.

 Currently Waite said TPA is putting together a proposal for a technology-related industry associated with power companies. The unnamed prospect is seeking a site of 100-125 acres he said.

"The deals with the state are always hush, hush," Waite said. "I don't even know who they are."

Contacted for comment Alison Tyrer, senior communications manager for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, said it was not the department's policy to comment on any projects which are in development at the wish of the prospects.

Waite said he has turned in some preliminary information to the prospect and will follow up with a more detailed proposal in January.

In addition, Waite said TPA is looking into pricing, subdividing and grading a 42-acre site into smaller three to 10 acre lots. Waite said these lots could be used for light industry or service office buildings.

"We're just looking at the sites right now," Waite said adding that no buildings have been constructed on the property. "We haven't set an actual date to do that grading because we are trying to price it."

Waite said he hoped to have those smaller sites available to businesses by summer 2008.

Stanton Springs is a project of the Joint Development Authority which includes Newton, Jasper, Morgan and Walton Counties. Stanton Springs is located off of Interstate 20, between Covington and Madison.

Named for the Stanton family who formerly owned much of the land which comprises the 1,600 acre site, Stanton Springs is anticipated as being a major economic driver for the four-county JDA area.

Once fully developed, the mixed-use industrial park will feature residences, business services, light industry, retail stores and recreational facilities.

Developers hope the site will attract hundreds of well-paying high-tech jobs in addition to creating thousands of jobs in the service industry.