While Rivian has paused construction on its $5 billion plant at the Stanton Springs North site in Morgan and Walton counties, site work remains ongoing.
The Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties provided an update on the site at its July 23 meeting.
“Rivian is committed to building its facility in Georgia,” JDA leaders said. “While construction may be paused, the company continues to engage with the state and local communities surrounding Stanton Springs. Over the last two years, Rivian has provided $3 million to the JDA, meeting its obligations. Additionally, Rivian is implementing the agreed-upon site maintenance and security plan and continues to make improvements to the site. This continued work helps expedite Rivian’s ability to go vertical when ready.”
Site maintenance work includes moving AT&T fiber lines to the site perimeter, and Walton EMC is bringing power to the site. The installation of transformers is also expected soon. Other site improvements include coordinating to bring water and sewer to the site; building permanent structures in Ponds 1, 2, 5, 6, 8, and 9; and seeding and stabilizing the upper pad. The JDA notes that there are negotiations with a local farmer to bale hay, though pads will likely not be cut right away to allow for continued stabilization through grass growing.
For security improvements, Rivian is installing fencing, gates, and jersey barriers at vulnerable site entry points. Natural barriers like hills and woods will be used for the rest of the site. Interior fencing will be installed around the ponds once they are completed. Rivian also plans to post No Trespassing signs, and limited patrols will be in place on nights and weekends.
Rivian does not have a specific timeline for vertical construction yet but expects production to begin at the Georgia facility once the company has ramped the R2 vehicle at its facility in Normal, Illinois. “Georgia remains a key component of our growth and volume strategy,” according to a company statement.