Infrastructure is the foundation to build economic development.
I have spent over 15 years working in Georgia’s economic development community. Solid infrastructure is the foundation for a community’s success in economic development. In fact, Georgia Department of Transportation and Georgia Department of Community Affairs spend much of their resources helping communities with infrastructure needs.
Attracting new jobs and investment to a community is a process of avoiding elimination. Available facilities, qualified workforce and quality of life are the top reasons companies mention as their reason for selecting a location.
Infrastructure is one you don’t hear about because it is non-negotiable. Companies bringing jobs and investment expect solid infrastructure and reliable emergency services. A community that does not have well-maintained roads, effective stormwater systems and expedient emergency response times does not even get considered.
Fayette County’s roads, stormwater and emergency radios are just three categories of projects that are included in the March 21 SPLOST. While in my opinion these are the three most important to economic development, all the items included in the SPLOST touch economic development in some way. Peachtree City and Fayetteville’s multiuse paths contribute to quality of life that helps companies attract a workforce. Fire stations, fire trucks and police cars help keep person and property safe.
Companies that bring the highest-paying jobs and investment are the companies that usually have the highest standards for a community. Fayette County has had numerous past successes in attracting these kinds of businesses. Let’s make sure we continue to be the kind of place that attracts only the best businesses. I would urge citizens that want to be attractive to these businesses to please vote YES on March 21.
Niki Knox Vanderslice, vice-chairman
Fayette County Development Authority
Fayette County, Ga.
