WASHINGTON – By creating a foundation of innovation, resilience, and sound business policies, I’m proud Georgia has become an incubator where companies can thrive.
This past week brought more exciting news for the state as Gov. Nathan Deal welcomed a new corporate citizen – Facebook – to the community with the construction of its ninth U.S. data center.
I was humbled to be a part of this momentous occasion, and I’m looking forward to fostering this new, long-term partnership.
Based in Stanton Springs with an initial investment of $750 million, this new state-of-the-art facility will include two buildings that occupy 970,000 square feet and is expected to generate at least 100 new jobs, in addition to creating thousands of opportunities in the construction sector. I’m also pleased that this large center will be powered entirely by renewable energy, through the work of Walton Electric Membership Corp., bringing more business to multiple industries in multiple areas of Georgia.
I’d especially like to thank the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton and Walton Counties for their efforts, which were absolutely instrumental in ensuring that Facebook chose our community, and Georgia as a whole, to expand its enterprise. There’s no question Georgia is the number one state for doing business, and I’m glad to see our community leaders are continuing to take the initiative to incentivize job growth.
With the passage of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act in December and the recent tax bill Deal just signed into law, important progress has been made at both the local and national levels to empower Georgia families by putting more money back in your pocket. The growth we’ve seen across the board has already far surpassed what could be expected, and I’m very glad to report that I’ve seen similar innovations and expansions being announced by other businesses in our area, including Nisshinbo Automotive Manufacturing in Covington, Shaw Industries in Thomson and Mannington Mills in Madison, just to name a few.
I’m confident that – with these changes made that put you back in charge of your own money – these bonuses, expansions and growing businesses will only continue. Clearly, business is booming, and the 10th District of Georgia is on the rise!
To other companies looking to move to the area, I say, “Our Southern hospitality and business incentives can’t be matched.” To Facebook, I say, “Welcome home.”
Jody Hice, a Republican from Greensboro, represents Georgia’s 10th District in Congress. Online: hice.house.gov.
