First dual-certified mega site/super park in U.S. is in Laurens County

The country's first dual-certified mega site/super park has been selected in Laurens County.

The Heart of Georgia Mega Site, a 2,000-acre site on Ga. 199 and Interstate 16 at exit 58, was certified by McCallum Sweeney Consulting, a nationally recognized expert in site selection, according to a release.

The certification means the location was "rigorously analyzed for several factors to ensure the land is shovel ready."

The industrial site is designed for development of large-scale facilities, such as warehouse, manufacturing and distribution centers. The property is owned by Seattle, Washington-based Plum Creek Timber Co. Inc., which has a public-private partnership with the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority and other stakeholders.

"This is a big, big deal for our economic development program and for Middle Georgia," Brad Lofton, president of the Dublin-Laurens County Development Authority, said in a statement. "This national designation adds credibility and third-party validation for our Mega Site, which we are so proud of. In the end, it will lead to what is most important -- jobs, jobs, jobs."

Since it is located about halfway between Atlanta and Savannah with interstate frontage and rail access, the site has the potential to attract projects with regional and state significance.

In June 2015, the Heart of Georgia Mega Site -- one of the largest available tracts in the state -- became the first Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development site. The certification by the Georgia Department of Economic Development means the site is market ready.

To contact writer Linda S. Morris, call 744-4223, or follow her on Twitter@MidGaBiz.

This story was originally published November 30, 2015 at 9:14 PM with the headline "First dual-certified mega site/super park in U.S. is in Laurens County ."