Liberty County Development Authority Reports Year of Strategic Progress, Investment and Partnership

HINESVILLE, Ga. - The Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) closed FY2026 with progress on priorities to strengthen Liberty County's economy, including new industrial investment, infrastructure and site development, support for existing industries, regional partnerships, and long-term planning.

This was the first year of LINK Liberty, LCDA's strategic plan. The plan provides a roadmap to support existing industry, attract quality jobs and investment, improve infrastructure, and expand economic opportunities, while protecting Liberty County's environment and quality of life.

"Economic development is about much more than individual projects or announcements. It is about making strategic investments today that position Liberty County for success for decades to come," LCDA CEO Brynn Grant said. "This year reflects the work of our board, staff, and many partners to strengthen our existing industries, prepare for future opportunities, and ensure that growth creates lasting value for the people who live here."

At Tradeport East Business Center, Westin Furniture opened a 250,000-square-foot facility with plans for approximately 80 employees. Creative Home Ideas completed a 580,000-square-foot distribution and assembly facility expected to support more than 70 jobs.

At Dorchester Commerce Center, developed by Flint Development, more than 2 million square feet of industrial space continues to attract national logistics investment. In March, Hasbro opened its new 600,000-square-foot distribution center in partnership with GXO Logistics. It is Hasbro's first fully developed, leased, and branded U.S. distribution center. The facility handles approximately 25% of Hasbro's U.S. distribution volume, complementing existing operations in Chino, CA, and Joliet, IL. Initially employing approximately 70 people and growing to as many as 125 during peak periods, GXO continues to hire and expand its Liberty County workforce.

At Tradeport West, a $2 million Georgia Rural Site Development grant has accelerated construction of approximately 1.5 miles of road, drainage improvements, utility infrastructure, and site preparation, opening 170+ acres for industrial investment and job creation.

Tradeport West also earned Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) Select status from the Georgia Department of Economic Development, confirming due diligence and improving the site's ability to improve speed to market for prospective industries.

At Hinesville Technology Park, Atlantic Building Components is constructing a new manufacturing operation, the first to locate in the park in more than a decade. LCDA also celebrated the opening of the Hinesville Fire Department training center on property donated by the Authority. Investments continued in Hinesville Technology Park with the extension of Technology Drive and improvements to industrial buildings owned and marketed by the Authority.

LCDA continued technical, financial, and regulatory due diligence for a proposed water reclamation facility, which is to support future industrial investment and growth in Liberty County. Committed to transparency, the Authority expanded opportunities for community engagement, including public meetings, educational outreach, and partnerships focused on water quality and environmental stewardship.

Following International Paper's announcement that it would close its Riceboro paper and lumber mills, LCDA coordinated with workforce partners and local governments to organize a job fair connecting nearly 300 workers with 30 employers and support organizations. In partnership with Devendorf-Belford Tree Farm, the inaugural Forestry Solutions Summit was launched, uniting leaders from across coastal Georgia to discuss innovation, sustainability, workforce challenges, and the future of the forestry industry.

Planning for growth was furthered by new economic research. LCDA commissioned a Georgia Institute of Technology study of the fiscal impact of development in Liberty County. The analysis found that commercial and industrial properties require approximately 40 cents in government services for every $1 generated in taxes, compared with approximately $1.36 in services for every $1 generated by residential development.

The findings reinforce the importance of a balanced tax base and LCDA's strategy of attracting commercial and industrial investment in planned locations, while supporting the needed infrastructure and services.

Regional collaboration also expanded with the establishment of the Tri-95 Georgia Joint Development Authority, a partnership with Long and McIntosh counties focused on strengthening economic competitiveness along the Interstate 95 corridor through collaboration on infrastructure, workforce, and economic development strategy.

LCDA continued investing in RISE and its workforce initiatives and engaging with World Trade Center Savannah and other regional partners to strengthen coastal Georgia's competitiveness.

Education and workforce initiatives included establishing the Georgia Southern University Eagle Excellence Scholarship fund to support Liberty County students attending the Hinesville campus, hosting Economic Development 101 programs for educators and elected officials, and supporting workforce readiness through service with Savannah Technical College and the Liberty County College and Career Academy.

LCDA also continued working with Liberty County, the City of Hinesville, and military partners to support MidCoast Regional Airport at Wright Army Airfield, where efforts are underway to expand opportunities for general aviation and other aviation activities.

"Our successes are shared successes. We thank every person, organization, industry, and community partner whose efforts contributed to our progress and helped move Liberty County forward," LCDA Board Chairman and State Rep. Al Williams said. "As we look ahead, we're building on the accomplishments, lessons learned, and momentum of the past year with an even greater commitment to our mission: creating opportunities, strengthening our economy, and, most importantly, raising the standard of living for the residents of Liberty County."

As Liberty County continues to grow, LCDA remains focused on disciplined planning, infrastructure investment, workforce development, regional collaboration, and responsible economic growth that creates long-term opportunity while safeguarding the natural resources and quality of life that make Liberty County unique.