Economic Development: April 2016

Augusta Vehicles: Textron Specialized Vehicles, which manufactures golf cars, utility and personal transportation vehicles, is expanding in Augusta with a new $40-million manufacturing facility that will create 400 jobs.

Columbus Healthcare: Health insurance provider Anthem is expanding its customer care center in Muscogee County, adding 450 new jobs, a $3-million investment. The expansion is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2017.

Wastewater Reuse: Biofuel company Duckweed USA is opening in Sparta. The company will take duckweed from the city’s wastewater and turn it into fuel for customers like refiners and farmers. The $4-million initiative will initially employ up to 12, with plans to add up to 250 jobs within the next five years.

Southside Mixed-use: Henry County is getting a $300-million mixed-use project. Jodeco/Atlanta South will include 500,000 square feet of retail, 600 residences, two hotels, a 12,000-square-foot food hall and a 30-acre park that will include a wetland preserve and an outdoor amphitheater.

Rockdale Relocation: Batchelor & Kimball, a commercial HVAC and plumbing construction contractor, is relocating to Rockdale County. The 100,000-square-foot facility will house 75 employees and represents a $5-million investment.