Dooly County documents Reeves project reimbursements, EDA/CDBG/One Georgia grants and local job prospects
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Summary
County economic development director reported Reeves project activity: rail spur completed, site work done, multiple grant reimbursements pending (EDA, DCA CDBG, One Georgia). Reeves employed several workers at the Richwood site and signaled local hiring rules; county administration coordinated grant accounting and reimbursement documentation.
Dooly County economic development officials told the Board that Reeves Construction’s project at Richwood Road moved into operation and that the county had incurred upfront costs that would be reimbursed through multiple grants. Bob Jeter, Executive Director of the Economic Development Council, reported that the rail spur was completed, the Richwood access was paved and that Reeves had begun operations at the site.
Grants and reimbursements: Jeter and River Valley Regional Commission staff explained that three major grants were in play: $500,000 from the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA), $500,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) EIP funds from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, and $500,000 from the One Georgia Equity Fund. The county was instructed to spend approved project dollars up front and submit documentation for reimbursement; the board authorized establishing a dedicated EDA checking account requiring two signatures to handle grant receipts and draws.
Employment and local impact: Reeves reported 39 employees on site at the time of the report and indicated a policy that new hires must live within 15 miles of the project—intended to prioritize regional hiring. Board members noted the potential for additional local jobs as contractors complete construction and operations scale up.
Other local projects and coordination: County staff and the EDC also briefed commissioners on related projects: Lasseter Implement decel lanes and site work (under grant/contract), John Deere Superstore construction, and other spec‑building occupancies (Riley Forestry moving in). Commissioners asked for continued documentation of costs and reimbursement schedules so the county treasury could track cash flow for large capital projects.
Next steps: The board authorized an EDA grant checking account and asked staff to continue close accounting of reimbursements and to provide progress updates as invoices clear and grant draws are filed.