Major Manufacturing Expansion Planned in South Fulton County

News Summary

Project Sasquatch is set to enable a significant manufacturing expansion in south Fulton County with plans for a $250 million investment. The initiative aims to create new jobs and spur local economic growth while details remain undisclosed due to confidentiality agreements. Supported by local and state officials, the project seeks a $9.3 million property tax break, essential for financial viability. This expansion is projected to increase local production by at least 35%, but concerns about transparency and public incentives have arisen amidst discussions of economic development in the area.

Atlanta — Project Sasquatch, a significant manufacturing expansion project, is unfolding in south Fulton County, with plans earmarked for a $250 million investment. This initiative, which aims to boost local employment and economic growth, is currently shrouded in secrecy due to a nondisclosure agreement that protects critical details. As part of the effort, local and state officials are advocating for a $9.3 million property tax break from the Development Authority of Fulton County (DAFC), a move that aims to make the project financially viable.

The undisclosed company behind Project Sasquatch is described as a global leader in manufacturing, specializing in durable and energy-efficient building products utilized in both commercial and residential sectors. With a long-standing presence in the south Fulton region, the company currently employs 245 workers and plans to introduce approximately 50 new jobs as part of the expansion.

According to the DAFC, the site in south Fulton is just one of several locations across the United States being considered for this expansion. The DAFC has emphasized that the project will be subject to certain tax incentives critical to its economic feasibility. The area is expected to see an increase in production by at least 35%, although specific details regarding new facilities or construction timelines remain unspecified.

Kwanza Hall, the chairman of the DAFC board, acknowledged that the confidential nature of Project Sasquatch limits the amount of information that can be disclosed at this time. The DAFC noted that local property tax incentives play a crucial role in the location and timing of the project, particularly given the substantial costs associated with construction and advanced manufacturing equipment needed for operations.

The expansion is forecasted to generate nearly $26.4 million in new property taxes within the next decade, even with the proposed tax abatement. This anticipated revenue highlights the potential long-term economic advantages of the project for the community, as well as for the company investing in the area. In this context, the DAFC underscored the importance of the applicant, who has been a valued part of the local economy, and the potential for job retention and growth.

Project Sasquatch is actively supported by Select Fulton and the Georgia Department of Economic Development, which are negotiating additional discretionary incentives as part of this initiative. The recent trend in the Atlanta metro area shows that significant economic development projects often proceed under a veil of confidentiality prior to public incentive votes.

This development is not an isolated case; it joins other initiatives like Project Nexus, which has also received preliminary approval for substantial tax incentives while maintaining a low profile in terms of public disclosure. The DAFC plans to hold a virtual meeting to discuss Project Sasquatch, which will be accessible to the public via the Zoom platform.

However, the ongoing trend of conducting major economic development initiatives with limited transparency has raised concerns among critics, especially regarding the large public incentives at play and their impacts on local communities adjacent to the development sites. As conversations about economic growth continue, the balance between investment attraction and community transparency remains a focal point in south Fulton County.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• AJC: Project Sasquatch Secrecy
• Wikipedia: Economic Development
• AJC: South Atlanta Flea Market Makeover
• Google Search: Project Sasquatch
• AJC: Microsoft Data Centers in Atlanta
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Manufacturing
• AJC: South Atlanta Tax Break Approval
• Google News: South Fulton County Projects