By JOHN THOMPSON
jthompson@thecitizennews.com

As Coweta and Meriwether counties move toward developing a new industrial park, Coweta officials are saying the project could be a boon to the county.

But officials also caution that the county would only be a partner in the program and would not purchase any land to develop.

If built, the park would be just off Interstate 85 at exit 35 between U.S. Highway 29 and alternate U.S. Highway 27 at a site in both counties.

Coweta County Administrator Theron Gay said the county has never considered buying property and is upset that media reports have said the county wants to purchase 500 acres.

Georgia Power Company has estimated that between $500 million and $1 billion could be added to the tax rolls in both counties in addition to the nearly 30,000 jobs the project could bring to the area, including up to 10,000 new manufacturing jobs.

The park would generate between $100 million and $300 million in annual retail sales and spawn up to $6 million in new sales tax revenue.

For their part, Coweta officials said the project offers a golden opportunity for additional industrial development in the county. The property is affordable and offers easy access to the interstate and Hartsfield International Airport.

Meriwether officials currently have no county industrial park and believe the project could be a big boost to the county's economy.

“This project has been talked about for four or five years. There's nothing more to report,” Gay said.