PDA Discusses Growth

By KIM PURRIER

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americustimesrecorder.com

AMERICUS - The Americus-Sumter County Payroll Development Authority (PDA) met Tuesday to discuss different ways of attracting new industry to the area. The PDA also voted on two matters, both pertaining to personnel.

The first vote that was taken made current secretary Bill Harris treasurer, a position held by Jared Stevens until he resigned. Stevens' term expired in March. The second vote determined who could sign for the PDA's deposits. The vote was necessary due to the recent additions of Tracy Ector and Bill Harris as PDA members. All PDA members except for Executive Director David Garriga and Executive Assistant Carole Franks can sign, and two signatures are required.

Garriga updated the PDA on new efforts to market Americus and Sumter County to new businesses and industries. Focus will be placed in the Atlanta area and target businesses with more than 150 employees. Formal letters or e-mails will be sent to the companies. As Garriga put it, "We could send out a 1,000 letters and 10 responses would be great."

The PDA is also investigating more ways to use and market Souther Field Airport, including looking into the possibility of some sort of assembly station for spacecraft. The idea may appeal to companies in that field due to Sumter County's proximity to Cape Canaveral, Fla.

Aside from marketing ideas, loans and investments issued by the PDA are beginning to pay off. An intergovernmental contract between the PDA, Sumter County and City of Americus that establishes a specific time frame for repayment was finalized. The contract stems from the building of a retention pond, road and traffic light near Lowe's on U.S. Highway 280. One-third of the loan will be paid by the County and another third by the City. The work totaled approximately $800,000 and was paid for by the PDA. Payments begin Dec. 15, 2009.

Also, Rush Industries purchased property off of Elm Avenue. The company was previously leasing the property and paid off the lease to the tune of around $54,000.

As of April 2, the Georgia Southwestern State University bonds are on the market. The revenue from the bonds will be used to cover the costs of new dormitories being built on the university campus.

Every necessary document has finally been signed for the OneGeorgia project with Southeast Railcar and Locomotive Services Inc. The PDA voted in December to accept the $400,000 loan from OneGeorgia and then reissue the loan to Southeast Railcar at the same 3 percent interest rate the PDA will pay. "We love to grow local companies. We're looking to create jobs," said Garriga at the time of the vote.

PDA Chairman Paul Hall said he is pleased to see so much resolved in the past month. "It's good to see something come to a close when you've worked on it so long," he said. "I appreciate everyone's input and guidance."

The next PDA meeting is 4 p.m. May 5 at the Rees Park Economic Development Center. The meetings are open to the public.