The Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD), in cooperation with the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA), today announced that the Tidewaters Industrial Complex has earned “Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development” (GRAD) certification with “Select” status. The site’s new “GRAD Select” status provides an additional seal of approval that makes it especially attractive for future industrial development.  

This is the second site in Georgia to attain “GRAD Select” status after receiving a state infrastructure grant through the Rural Site Development Initiative. 

“Communities that invest early in site readiness are better positioned to compete for new business and long-term economic opportunity,” said Georgia Department of Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson. “The GRAD Select designation is the result of forward thinking and dedicated planning, and we congratulate McIntosh County and the Tidewaters Industrial Complex team on achieving it. With continued collaboration between local leaders and state partners, including support through the Rural Site Development Initiative (RSDI), this site is now even better equipped to attract quality investment and support future job creation across Georgia.” 

The 623-acre Tidewaters Industrial Complex, owned by the McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority, is located in southern McIntosh County, Georgia, between I-95 and GA 251, about one mile north of Exit 49. GA 251 provides direct access via a paved entrance at Tidewater Blvd. SW and a new road completed in November 2025. Portions of the site have been cleared and rough-graded, and on-site utilities include water, sewer, gas, and electrical infrastructure.  

“Achieving GRAD Certified ‘Select’ status is a significant milestone for McIntosh County and a reflection of the vision and collaboration moving our community forward. This designation confirms we are prepared for responsible growth and ready to compete for new industry,” said Kate Karwacki, Chair of the McIntosh County Commission. 

“The GRAD Certified ‘Select’ designation highlights the work done to make Tidewaters Industrial Park development-ready and strengthens our ability to compete for projects that bring jobs and investment to McIntosh County,” said Chris Harper, McIntosh County Industrial Development Authority (MCIDA) Chair.  

Completing the GRAD certification program with GDEcD is a proactive way for both community planners and landowners to help catalyze economic growth and industrial development in their regions. To qualify for GRAD status, available sites must meet the program’s due diligence standards, be reviewed by a third party, and earn the final approval of a board of advisors comprised of public and private sector economic development professionals. The “GRAD Select” status is an indication that a site has met or exceeded more rigorous certification requirements.  

The GRAD Program offers more than 70 industrial certified sites that are ready for fast-track industrial projects, thanks to comprehensive due diligence. Economic development groups and landowners interested in obtaining GRAD certification for their property are encouraged to visit georgia.org/sites/certified-sites for additional information. Georgia is also investing over $21 million to help rural communities prepare new industrial sites through the Rural Site Development Initiative. These grants support site improvements and the addition of new GRAD-certified sites. 

 For aerial views of GRAD-certified sites and property details visit: Georgia.org/sites/sites-and-buildings. Learn more about McIntosh County at mcintoshga.com.