Joint Development Authority

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe (third form left), with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to the right, helps break ground on the Stanton Springs project site in Social Circle, alongside several other state and local representatives. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Rivian founder and CEO RJ Scaringe (third form left), with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp to the right, helps break ground on the Stanton Springs project site in Social Circle, alongside several other state and local representatives. SKYLA MORRIS/Staff

Rivian breaks ground on planned Stanton Springs factory

Rivian Automotive has moved forward with its plans to launch a 2,000-acre EV production plant at Stanton Springs North, breaking ground for the long-delayed project on Sept. 16.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Officials continue to tout potential benefits; PILOT payments received

Rivian’s plans to construct its 2,000-acre Stanton Springs production plant along the Morgan-Walton county line are projected to bring 7,500 new jobs to the area.The $5 billion project is expected to create revenue within each of the counties in the Joint Development Authority, which includes...
This rendering shows part of the sprawling campus Rivian intends to build at Stanton Springs North along the Morgan-Newton county line. FILE PHOTO

This rendering shows part of the sprawling campus Rivian intends to build at Stanton Springs North along the Morgan-Newton county line. FILE PHOTO

Rivian plans celebrations; opponents still in court

Rivian Automotive is preparing to host two celebratory events for the planned construction of a 2,000-acre manufacturing plant in Stanton Springs North, spanning Rutledge and Social Circle.

JDA distributes $2M to local schools, counties

On Sept. 24, the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton Counties (JDA) voted unanimously to approve another revenue distribution of $2 million to the four counties and school districts it serves.
Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Lake Oconee News/File Photo

Morgan BOC gets update on Rivian

During its Aug. 6 meeting, the Morgan County Board of Commissioners received an update about Rivian’s Georgia plant at Stanton Springs North.District 3 commissioner Ben Riden provided the update after he went on a site tour with the Joint Development Authority of Jasper, Morgan, Newton & Walton...
Site work began in 2023 on the Rivian site off of I-20 in Morgan and Walton counties. (MARK ENGEL/File Photo)

Site work began in 2023 on the Rivian site off of I-20 in Morgan and Walton counties. (MARK ENGEL/File Photo)

JDA provides update on Rivian’s Georgia plant

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...
Site work began in 2023 on the Rivian site off of I-20 in Morgan and Walton counties. MARK ENGEL/File photo

Site work began in 2023 on the Rivian site off of I-20 in Morgan and Walton counties. MARK ENGEL/File photo

Rivian pauses construction of Georgia EV plant

Electric vehicle manufacturer Rivian will delay indefinitely plans to build a $5 billion EV plant east of Atlanta, the company announced Thursday.Instead, Rivian initially will begin building its new R2 midsize SUV model at its plant in Normal, Ill."Rivian’s Georgia plant remains an extremely...
Grading work is underway on the 2,000-acre site where Rivian plans to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant on the border of Morgan and Walton counties. Also visible is a frontage road, which will connect to a new exit on I-20, seen far left. MARK ENGEL/Staff

Grading work is underway on the 2,000-acre site where Rivian plans to build an electric vehicle manufacturing plant on the border of Morgan and Walton counties. Also visible is a frontage road, which will connect to a new exit on I-20, seen far left. MARK ENGEL/Staff

Rivian bond deal closes; construction to begin in ’24

Georgia is one step closer to becoming the epicenter of electric vehicle manufacturing after the state and Rivian cleared legal hurdles that sought to derail the manufacturing plant in Morgan and Walton counties.