Effingham County Leaders Announce Landmark OpenAI Data Center Investment Bringing Jobs, Educational Opportunities, and Long-Term Community Benefits
July 22, 2026
Entrance to Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub
EFFINGHAM COUNTY, GA — The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), Effingham County Board of Commissioners and the Effingham County School District today announced a transformational economic development investment as OpenAI will establish a state-of-the-art data center campus in Effingham County within the existing Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub (SGIH). SGIH is a 2,600-acre global logistics campus developed by The Broe Group.
The project is one of the largest private capital investments in the history of coastal Georgia. The investment aligns with OpenAI’s broader initiative to expand the computing infrastructure needed to support the next generation of AI technologies while partnering with local communities.
Beyond the $20 billion capital investment, the project will create 400 long-term, high-quality jobs, significantly increase the local tax base, support infrastructure improvements, and support new and existing educational partnerships that prepare Effingham County students for careers in technology, engineering, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.
ECIDA Chief Executive Officer Brandt Herndon:
“Economic development is about attracting companies that create lasting value for the community. This project represents a major private investment that will generate substantial new tax revenue, bring hundreds of high-paying jobs, and create new opportunities for local businesses, contractors, suppliers, and our future workforce. We support the County’s efforts to roll back taxes for residents, and we believe the revenue generated by this project can help advance that goal. Based on our focused analysis and close collaboration with the Effingham County School District and the Effingham County Board of Commissioners during initial feasibility discussions, we are confident this company will be an engaged community partner, a responsible steward of its investment, and an important contributor to Effingham County’s continued prosperity.”
Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan:
“This project has the potential to change the financial future of Effingham County in ways that will benefit our citizens for generations. It strengthens our economy and provides the resources needed to continue our transformational infrastructure investments and to continue delivering the high-quality services our citizens expect. Most importantly, it has the potential to become the catalyst for Project Zero, our commitment to eliminate county homestead property taxes. The revenue generated by this project will accelerate that vision and make Project Zero a reality as early as next year. Current estimates project the average homeowner will see a 40% reduction in property taxes. We approached this opportunity with diligence by conducting firsthand research, visiting comparable facilities, and working extensively with the company and regional partners to ensure community concerns were thoroughly addressed before moving forward.”
Effingham County School District Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford:
“Our community expects local leaders to work together to balance growth and relieve the tax
burden on homeowners. After personally visiting several data centers to ensure this project
would be a net-positive partner, I am confident OpenAI is the right fit for Effingham. This
partnership will successfully lower property taxes for residents while investing in teacher and
staff resources and salaries and expanding opportunities for our students. We appreciate the ECIDA and the Effingham County Board of Commissioners inviting the school district to collaborate on this initiative and are grateful that they value our insight.”
Project commitments from OpenAI to support local initiatives include:
•Long-term investment in local infrastructure.
•Workforce development partnerships with Effingham County Schools.
•Internship and career awareness programs for students.
•Collaboration with local colleges and technical education partners.
•Opportunities for local contractors and suppliers during construction and operations.
•Continued environmental stewardship and compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
Leaders from the ECIDA, county government and school system have been actively involved in this economic development project. The partners are committed to open communication throughout the process by providing public updates, community meetings, and project information through a joint website, EffinghamGateway.com.
For more information about construction timelines, workforce opportunities, educational partnerships, and community engagement, please visit ProjectCamellia.com. Additional information will be released as project milestones are reached.
An open house for the public to learn more about the project is scheduled for Thursday, July 23rd from 6:00-8:00 p.m. hosted at the Effingham College & Career Academy.
About the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority
The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority works to recruit quality employers, expand economic opportunity, and strengthen the county’s long-term economic competitiveness through strategic industrial recruitment and workforce development initiatives. ECIDA also partners with local schools through programs that connect students with career opportunities in industry.
About Effingham County
Effingham County is one of Georgia’s fastest-growing communities, strategically located along the Savannah metropolitan corridor. The county is committed to responsible growth, infrastructure investment, and enhancing quality of life for its residents.
About Effingham County Schools
The Effingham County School System serves thousands of students through a commitment to academic excellence, career readiness, innovation, and preparing graduates for success in college, careers, and military service.
Media Contacts:
Frank Adams
Effingham County Industrial Development Authority
Email: info@effinghamindustry.com
Jake Zeigler
Effingham County Board of Commissioners
Email: Jzeigler@EffinghamCounty.org
Tiffany Altman
Effingham County School District
Email: thaltman@effingham.k12.ga.us