At an event held Thursday, June 26, in Riceboro, GA, three coastal Georgia counties – Liberty, Long, and McIntosh – announced they have officially formed the Tri-95 Georgia Joint Development Authority, a regional collaboration designed to unlock shared economic potential along the I-95 corridor and leverage proximity to Georgia’s two deepwater ports—Savannah and Brunswick.
Tri-95 Georgia represents the culmination of cooperative community dialogue, strategic regional vision, and intergovernmental cooperation. It was officially memorialized through a Memorandum of Understanding in September 2024, with resolutions now fully endorsed by all three county governments.
“This initiative positions our region as a unified force ready to attract strategic investment and quality growth,” State Rep. and Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA) Board Chairman Al Williams said. “Together, we offer great logistical advantages, developable land, and a shared vision for improving the quality of life for our residents.”
Development Authority of Long County Board Chairman Jimmy Shanken added, “Regional collaboration is necessary for successful economic development today and we are proud to be stepping forward with our partners in this way.”
“By aligning our assets and working as one, we’re making a long-term investment in people — creating jobs, attracting capital, and building opportunity across county lines,” said Chris Harper, Board Chairman of McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA).
Shared Assets, Shared Goals
The Tri-95 Georgia JDA focuses on all three counties converging, anchored by:
- Intergovernmental cooperation
- Interstate 95, a vital north-south artery
- Proximity to the ports of Savannah and Brunswick
- Evaluated infrastructure capacity and early planning (water, sewer, transportation, and rail access)
- Quality workforce including exiting military service members and their families
With ongoing demand for industrial, commercial and residential space — spurred by high-impact investments such as Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America on I-16 as well as the numerous projects along the I-95 corridor like the major development underway at Exit 82 in Richmond Hill as well as Exit 76 in Midway — the timing of this partnership is strategic and forward-looking.
Tackling Regional Challenges
This collaboration is intended to help address socioeconomic challenges, including the high percentage of hard-working Georgians struggling to make ends meet. ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) data provided at UnitedforALICE.org highlights the need for greater economic mobility in the area:
- Liberty County: 16% poverty, up to 45% ALICE rate
- Long County: 16% poverty, up to 52% ALICE rate
- McIntosh County: 20% poverty, up to 53% ALICE rate
Looking Ahead
In the months ahead, the Tri-95 Georgia JDA will be establishing its board and governance policies and will then be pursuing development partners, infrastructure enhancements, and strategic investments that align with the region’s vision: balance industry and environment to raise the standard of living for all.
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PHOTO CAPTION: Left to Right: Chris Harper, Board Chairman McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA); State Representative Al Williams and Board Chairman Liberty County Development Authority (LCDA); Tom Draffin, CEO MCIDA; Brynn Grant, CEO LCDA; Brad Day, CEO Development Authority of Long County (DALC); Jimmy Shanken, Board Chairman DALC.
PHOTO CREDIT: Joanna Ng Photography LLC