“That’s where we’re looping those higher density developments back in along those corridors where we have sewer in place, and where the roads have been improved to accommodate that type of density.” This approach aligns with the county’s workforce housing objectives, which include adding homes closer to industry.“We understand that people want to live close to jobs as well. So, we’re trying to find ways to incorporate that type of housing in a way that makes sense and cluster that growth in one area where we can, leaving it a little more open in the areas that are rural.” THE BLUE RIDGE CONNECTOR: A VITAL ECONOMIC LINK A key infrastructure project that is set to transform Hall County’s industrial landscape is the Blue Ridge Connector, commonly referred to as the Inland Port. “The Georgia Ports Authority is developing the Blue Ridge Connector to provide a rail connection between Hall County and the Port of Savannah,” Evans elaborated. “They’re doing that because of the existing industry that’s here and the need for that connection.” Hall County is home to 330 advanced manufacturers and food processors, which account for roughly 30% of the local workforce, which is three times the state and national average.“The Blue Ridge Connector will have the capacity to handle up to 200,000 containers per year at full build out, and it’s under construction now to be complete in 2026,” Evans said. Since 2020, the advanced manufacturing sector in Hall County has seen significant growth, with 53 new or expanded projects, creating 3,500 new jobs and generating $1.5 billion in capital investment. Notable companies include Kubota, ZF Group, Fox Factory, Kings Hawaiian, Mars Wrigley, Makita USA and the CJ Group of South Korea. 154 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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