FAYETTE COUNTY DEVELOPMENT AWARDS FIVE SIGNIFICANT GRANTS TO LOCAL MUNICIPALITIES TO EMPOWER ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

FAYETTE COUNTY, GA- In a monumental stride toward community-centered economic development, the Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) is proud to announce the recipients of its initial round of grants, totaling an impressive $1,229,785. These grants are poised to serve as the catalyst for transformative projects that contribute to the economic vitality of Fayette County.  

Darryl A. Hicks, FCDA Board Chairman, expressed enthusiasm about the grants, stating, "Today, we're investing these funds back into the community in order to stimulate economic development that is focused on the empowerment and advancement of our municipalities. We look forward to working with our community partners on opportunities that drive sound economic development."  

Currently, there are seven primary eligible recipients for the grant, comprising governmental entities within Fayette County: the Cities of Fayetteville and Peachtree City, Fayette County Board of Commissioners, the Fayette County Board of Education, and the Towns of Tyrone, Woolsey, and Brooks. This innovative program's objective is to allocate funds to projects focused on contributing to the enduring health and economic vibrancy of the community. 

• $208,400 Matching Grant Awarded to the Fayette County Board of Education for Launch Fayette at the Center of Innovation - This initiative will transform a portion of the former Booth Middle School into a business incubator, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among Fayette County students and citizens. Through a collaborative effort with the Fayette Board of Education, Fayette County Development Authority and Southern Crescent Technical College, Launch Fayette aims to inspire, train, and support the next generation of entrepreneurs. 
• $300,000 Matching Grant Awarded to the Town of Tyrone and the Tyrone Downtown Development Authority - The Town of Tyrone, in collaboration with the Tyrone Downtown Development Authority, is set to transform the old fire station into a restaurant, event venue, and community focal point. This matching grant will breathe new life into the heart of downtown Tyrone, aligning with the town's vision and comprehensive plan. 

• $300,000 Matching Grant Awarded to the Town of Woolsey for Tourism and the Restoration of the Historic Woolsey Church - This project will bring the church back to its original state, as it appeared in 1889, with modern amenities to serve as a Community and Cultural Center. The revitalization will allow the property to host various functions and community events, providing a link to the past while embracing the needs of the present.   

• $300,000 Matching Grant Awarded to the City of Fayetteville for the Travis Alley Project - This initiative seeks to breathe new life into the alleyway behind the city's oldest commercial corridor. The envisioned revitalization includes enhanced pedestrian safety, improved infrastructure for businesses, expanded outdoor seating for ten businesses, and a complete aesthetic and functional redesign. The Travis Alley Project is anticipated to foster community engagement and support various events, ultimately contributing to a vibrant downtown atmosphere.  

• $121,385 Matching Grant Awarded to the City of Peachtree City for Huddleston Infrastructure Improvement - Focusing on strategically implementing changes to traffic signals and pavement markings, this initiative aims to enhance the functionality of the SR 54/Huddleston intersection. The proposed modifications are expected to result in improved traffic flow, reduced delays, and increased safety for the benefit of Fayette County as a whole. 

Between 2016 and 2022, FCDA secured operational funding from Fayette County and its municipalities. In 2022, FCDA facilitated the land acquisition for the QTS data center, subsequently relieving Fayette County and all municipalities of future funding requests. Achieving financial self-sufficiency has allowed the FCDA to reinvest in our community through the introduction of the Community Grant Program, FCDA has successfully reinvested almost three years' worth of allocated funding back into the community.  

FCDA remains dedicated to its goals of improving infrastructure, assisting in workforce development, and fostering jobs and capital investments to ensure the long-term health and economic vitality of Fayette County. By investing in these projects, FCDA aims to create a stronger and more sustainable future for all residents of Fayette County.  

About Fayette County Development Authority: The Fayette County Development Authority (FCDA) provides confidential services to support existing Fayette County businesses considering expansion or out of market companies looking for a new operation. Their services are offered in close collaboration with state, local, academic, and utility partners. For more information about their work, visit www.fayettega.org.