CLEVELAND, Ga. – The White County Development Authority has given its approval to move forward with the process where the authority would be the conduit for the issuance of non-profit tax-exempt bonds for the expansion of Woodlands Camp and Conference Center located at 1242 Old Blue Creek Road in Cleveland.
During a called meeting of the Development Authority Tuesday, Jon Estes, CEO, and Camp Director, told the authority about their plans to seek an additional $15,000.000 to be incorporated in previous bond issuance to complete an expansion program at the camp. The bond issuance would not exceed $30,000,000.
The board approved a letter of intent and inducement agreement which is the first step in the process.
Development Authority Attorney Carl Free said several other steps will need to take place, such as holding a public hearing on the issue, getting approval from the White County Commissioners, and getting approval from the Superior Court system.
Free said there are many reasons for the county to get behind this project including expanding the scope of employment in the county, expanding a facility that will bring a lot of folks to the county who will spend money, and bolstering a non-profit that is beneficial to the county.
Estes said following the authority approval this will do more than impact the county, “I’m really thankful to the development authority for their willingness to link arms with us and our hope is with not only this funding but ultimately the subsequent buildings to be able to make a financial impact on our county but ultimately to make an impact on the lives of a lot more kids.”
According to Estes, they hope to have all the projects built out by the summer of 2027.
