The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in cooperation with Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority (DCEDA), today announced that the Eastman Aerospace Park has earned a “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The site’s new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.

“As suppliers in key industries such as automotive and aerospace seek to expand in Georgia or the Southeast, they are following major interstates, including I-16 and I-75, into central Georgia,” said GDEcD Commissioner Pat Wilson. “Communities such as Dodge County offer unique assets in terms of available sites, workforce development programs, and more that benefit manufacturers, and we applaud them for the preparation they have put into getting this site ready for business and job creation.”

The 70-acre Eastman Aerospace Park is located at 657 Airport Road in Eastman. The site is adjacent to the Heart of Georgia Regional Airport and centrally located within the state about an hour’s drive from Macon. Eastman is approximately a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the cities of Atlanta, Brunswick, or Savannah – home to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, the Port of Brunswick, and the Port of Savannah, respectively.

The site is connected to State Route 46 and is within 20 miles from major interstates I-16 and I-75. In addition, Eastman Aerospace Park is just over three miles from downtown Eastman.

“This site is uniquely positioned on a 6,500-foot runway within an industrial park that hosts five aerospace suppliers specializing in aerospace metals, metal part forming, heat treating, and surface finishing,” said Robert Pruitt, Dodge County-Eastman Development Authority Executive Director. “Coupled with the nearby Middle Georgia State University’s School of Aviation, this area boasts a comprehensive aerospace supply chain all in one location. It’s rare to find all these facets of aerospace manufacturing concentrated in a single area.” 

Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way for both community planners and landowners to help catalyze economic growth and industrial development in their regions. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party, and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals. The GRAD Select status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements.

The Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Program offers more than 60 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast-track industrial projects, thanks to prior diligence. Economic development groups and landowners interested in obtaining GRAD certification for their property are encouraged to visit georgia.org/grad-certified-sites/application for additional information. 

For aerial views of GRAD certified sites and property details visit: georgia.org/site-selector. Learn more about Dodge County at dceda.org.