Georgia records $21B in state-subsidized economic projects

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp smiles as he stands next to a Rivian electric truck during a ceremony to announce that the electric truck maker plans to build a $5 billion battery and assembly plant east of Atlanta projected to employ 7,500 workers, on Dec. 16, 2021, in Atlanta. A Georgia judge on Thursday, Sept. 29, 2022, rejected an agreement that would have provided a huge property tax break to Rivian Automotive, clouding the upstart electric truck maker's plans to build a plant east of Atlanta. (AP Photo/John Bazemore, File)

Gov. Brian Kemp says Georgia recorded $21.2 billion in state-tracked business investments, with new and expanding companies committing to create 51,000 jobs during the year that ended June 30.

The Republican governor, who’s touting his achievements as he seeks a second term against Democrat Stacey Abrams, said that was a new record. Announced investment nearly doubled from the previous record, while announced jobs rose by more than 50%.

“Our success means that hardworking Georgians have every opportunity imaginable to also succeed, and it is what drives our efforts day-in and day-out,” Kemp said in a statement.