News from Around the State: District 6
A Vibrant Region with a Rich Heritage
GPA District 6 comprises 13 counties: Burke, Columbia, Glascock, Hancock, Jefferson, Jenkins, Lincoln, McDuffie, Richmond, Screven, Taliaferro, Warren, Washington, and Wilkes. Home to an estimated 509,000 Georgia residents and featuring cities with origins dating back to the early 1800s, District 6 boasts a rich history and heritage. Historically rural with a strong agricultural and regional manufacturing presence, the district is anchored by cities such as Savannah and Augusta, Georgia. The United States’ growing commitment to sustainable energy and the resurgence of manufacturing jobs have significantly advanced our cities and revitalized our rural counties.
In Burke County, planning has been crucial for accommodating the growth around Plant Vogtle. By strategically planning for residential, commercial, and public spaces within the St. George Crossing development, the county ensures that the expansion supports sustainable community growth. Plant Vogtle, an extension of Georgia Power’s Southern Nuclear program, is nestled in Waynesboro, Georgia, and sanctioned by the US Department of Energy, employing 1,400 people. The proposed St. George Crossing development aims to utilize 187 acres to create 1,400 residential units, 150,000 square feet of commercial space, 50,000 square feet of retail/entertainment space, and a hotel, incorporating workforce housing and public greenspace.
Effective land use planning has enabled Columbia County to manage the rapid growth and infrastructure demands resulting from new developments like Amazon’s fulfillment centers and the increasing residential areas. Amazon has opened two major fulfillment centers along the I-20 corridor within the rural area of the county. The cities of Evans and Grovetown have seen record highs in new single-family home construction over the last three years. Infrastructure improvements, such as the new diamond interchange at I-20 and Lewiston Road, have eased rush-hour traffic and supported sustainable growth.
Jenkins County is situated at the crossroads of regional industrial growth, leveraging its transportation infrastructure to support sustainable economic development. Located 50 miles south of Augusta and 79 miles north of Savannah, Jenkins County has access to railroads, highways, airports, and the Port of Savannah, making it a thriving industrial corridor. Manufacturing, healthcare, and social services are the top industries in the county.
Richmond County’s land use planning has facilitated the sustainable development of key projects like manufacturing expansions, luxury apartments, and public institutions, ensuring that growth is well-integrated with the urban fabric and community needs. Augusta, home to the world-renowned Masters Tournament, Fort Eisenhower, Augusta University Medical School, and the Cyber Command Center, is progressing into lithium battery manufacturing with recent projects from Department of Energy contractors Syensqo and Stryten Energy expanding their facilities and bringing high-earning jobs to the area. Aurubis-Richmond is constructing a $250 million state-of-the-art recycling smelter at the Augusta Corporate Industrial Park. Responding to the desirability of living downtown, new luxury apartment complexes like the Augustan have emerged, located just three short walking blocks from downtown and seven blocks from the medical center.
District 6 continues to evolve and thrive, blending its historic roots with modern advancements in energy, industry, and infrastructure. The collaborative efforts across these counties are fostering a robust and sustainable future for all residents. Land use planning remains instrumental in guiding this development, ensuring that growth is managed effectively and sustainably for long-term prosperity.