David Clemons and Jackie Gutknecht | Covington News

ATLANTA — Local officials are expecting great news at the State Capitol on Wednesday.

Gov. Nathan Deal and U.S. Rep. Jody Hice are scheduled to make a major economic announcement at 2 p.m.

Most members of the Newton County Board of Commissioners are in Atlanta for the event, and for the Association County Commissioners of Georgia day at the Capitol.

“It’s a great day for Newton County as we spend time with our delegation at the State Capitol,” Marcello Banes, chairman of the Newton County Board of Commissioners, said. “As a team we are excited to welcome a great new opportunity to Newton County that will be announced here this afternoon.”

State Rep. Dave Belton, R-Buckhead, also is expected to be in attendance for the announcement.

The Atlanta Business Chronicle has reported Facebook will be announcing plans for a 416-acre data center campus at Stanton Springs.

The Covington News previously has reported on the dealings of Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton Counties with a business known as Morning Hornet, a Delaware limited liability corporation interested in the Stanton Springs development near Social Circle.

The JDA in January approved $42 billion in bonds, plus tax incentives, and a land purchase agreement with Morning Hornet.

Stanton Springs is a 1,620-acre development owned in part by the JDA. It is located at the nexus of Morgan, Newton and Walton counties along Interstate 20. It’s already the home of Shire PLC and the Georgia Bioscience Training Center.

Livestreaming of Wednesday’s announcement will be available online through the governor’s office.