About SCDA

The Stephens County Development Authority (est. 1965) is committed to achieving continued, sustainable economic growth in our area of Northeast Georgia. We are an active, forward-thinking team seeking to diversify our economy, encouraging business retention and expansion to improve the lives of our residents.

SCDA’s Mission: To encourage and support the expansion and development of industrial and commercial facilities in Stephens County, Georgia so as to promote employment.

To accomplish our mission, SCDA works with public and private sector representatives to fully utilize their collective individual and organizational resources. We act as a people-focused resource of information to those interested in business opportunities in Stephens County and as a moderator between business and individual interests.

Groundbreaking for Rooker Spec building

• - Existing Retention & Expansion Committee
• - New Attraction & Recruitment Committee
• - Communication & Marketing Committee
• - Product Development Committee
• - Infrastructure Committee
• - Work Force Development Committee

Development Initiatives since 2005:

• Public-private partnership with Rooker Corp. for spec building in the Hayestone-Brady Business Park.
• Developed the new Master plan for Hayestone-Brady Business Park.
• Expanded the community’s wastewater treatment capacity.
• Initiated and secured grant funding to re-permit the Eastanollee wastewater treatment plant.
• Created comprehensive wastewater infrastructure improvement plan through 2025.
• Secured a $10 million appropriations request in the U.S. Congress to fund necessary wastewater infrastructure.
• With help from the state and others, designed brownfields and redevelopment initiative to redevelop blighted areas.
• Secured $1.5 million from the DNR through the PCB settlement for the enhancement of tourism.
• Collaborating with the City of Toccoa to create a comprehensive housing program.
• Work Force Development Committee led the process to become a certified Georgia Work Ready Community (certified November 2009).
• Initiated and was designated a Georgia Signature Community.
• Collaborated with surrounding counties, Hartwell Railroad, CSX Railroad, and the Georgia Dept. of Transportation for a connection between Hartwell Railroad and a second Tier 1 carrier.

Further Information:

JDA -
Joint Development Authority

Click to download map

- Lyn Brumby Allen, Franklin’s director of economic development, Georgia Trend, April 2009

Hartwell RR, Potential CSX Connection

Lake Hartwell Mega Boat Ramps

Quality Industries Rail Spur

Concrete Canopies