Recently, Bleckley-Cochran Industrial Development Authority (IDA) was awarded OneGeorgia (OGA) Equity funding from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The Cochran-Bleckley County Industrial Development Authority will receive $500,000 for infrastructure enhancements to the developing industrial park.

The OGA Equity Fund provides financial assistance to rural communities to help build capacity and the necessary infrastructure for economic development. The program is designed to serve as a flexible community and economic development tool, providing grants and loans for eligible projects in rural Georgia. OGA programs are administered by DCA.

The Bleckley-Cochran Industrial Park is currently only accessible from Jac Arts Road via unpaved turnoff into the open fields comprising the frontage sites. The limited visibility of the 274+/- acre site hinders the Authority from displaying the full potential of the industrial park. As the Bleckley-Cochran Industrial Park continues to develop, the existing road layout will continue to develop to meet the needs of each new industry.

The creation of the two roads into the industrial park will provide access to all viable sites that are currently undeveloped. The creation of two roads allow for a front and rear entrance into the park and minimizes the impact on the open sites in order to provide flexibility for any prospective businesses. The installation of additional sewer mains along the frontage properties will further increase the marketability of the parcels at the entrance to the park.

IDA Chairman Matt Fordham, “This investment will increase our marketing efforts. During 2023, we hope to have natural gas available into the industrial park. Our goal is to position ourselves for project managers to take a good look at our community. From our community’s dependable workforce, our IDA board members’ dedication to elected officials eager to help land an employer for our community, we are very optimistic of future developments.”  

“DCA is committed to bolstering local economies through partnerships and resources, and the utilization of OneGeorgia for these projects illustrates the initiative of the leaders in these communities,” DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn said. “Bolstering Georgia’s communities through business development and job creation has incredible benefits for these which will create a lasting impact.”

Andy Lucas with the Bleckley-Cochran IDA, “Receiving this grant demonstrates that our leaders have prioritized supporting the IDA to encourage business and industry recruitment that creates jobs and improves our local economy for our community. Economic development is key to ensuring growth in our city and county which we desperately need. Our IDA Board is investing into the future for employers to consider our community for their expansion needs.”

The IDA purpose is to encourage and promote the development of industrial and economic development at all levels. The IDA serves the community by supporting the recruitment of new business to the community, retain existing business in the community and lobbying with state and federal government agencies to consider our community for economic development. The IDA Board Members consist of a very talented, trusted, with expertise in many areas: Chair Matt Fordham from Citizens Bank of Cochran, Vice Chair Adam Holloway from Middle Georgia State University, Treasurer/Secretary Mary Brooks from Geotechnical & Environmental Consultants, Sole Commissioner for Bleckley County Mike Davis, Mayor of the City of Cochran Billy Yeomans, Chief Executive Officer of the State Bank of Cochran Jackie Bowen, President of the Bleckley County Farm Bureau Michael Williams, and Carla Hon from Hon’s Automotive.

For more information about the Bleckley Cochran IDA, please contact Andy Lucas with Bleckley-Cochran IDA.