GIDA Awarded State Grant to Advance Mallard Industrial Park Toward GRAD Certification

The Golden Isles Development Authority (GIDA) has been awarded funding through the fourth round of Georgia’s Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI), announced today by Governor Brian Kemp. The investment will support due diligence and site development activities at Mallard Industrial Park as GIDA works toward achieving Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certification.

GRAD certification is Georgia’s highest standard for industrial site readiness, ensuring sites have completed the engineering, environmental, utility, and planning work necessary to compete for major economic development projects.

“This investment allows us to continue proactively preparing Mallard Industrial Park for future opportunities,” said Ryan Moore, President & CEO of the Golden Isles Development Authority. “Companies are making location decisions faster than ever before, and having development-ready sites gives Glynn County a significant competitive advantage. This funding moves us one step closer to delivering another GRAD Certified industrial site to the market.”

Located adjacent to Interstate 95 at Exit 29, Mallard Industrial Park is one of Glynn County’s premier industrial development opportunities. The park offers more than 250 acres with excellent interstate access and is strategically positioned to serve advanced manufacturing, logistics, and other target industries.

The Rural Site Development Initiative provides funding to communities across Georgia to help prepare industrial sites for recruitment. Through this award, GIDA will complete additional due diligence and engineering necessary to position Mallard Industrial Park for GRAD certification, making the site more attractive to companies seeking shovel-ready locations.

“Georgia continues to lead the nation in economic development because we invest in preparing communities before opportunities arise,” Moore said. “We appreciate Governor Kemp, the Georgia General Assembly, the Georgia Department of Economic Development, the Department of Community Affairs, and the OneGeorgia Authority for their continued partnership and commitment to strengthening rural economic competitiveness.”

GRAD Certified sites provide companies with greater confidence by reducing risk, shortening project timelines, and accelerating the path from site selection to construction. As GIDA continues investing in site readiness, Mallard Industrial Park will be positioned to compete for transformative projects that create quality jobs and long-term capital investment for Glynn County.

For more information on the fourth round of Rural Site Development Initiative awards announced by Governor Brian Kemp, view the official state press release: Gov. Kemp Announces Fourth Round of Rural Site Development Grants. Additional information on Mallard Industrial Park and economic development opportunities in Glynn County is available by contacting the Golden Isles Development Authority.