The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has determined the 404 wetland permit for the Bryan County Megasite is valid and requires no changes, according to a memorandum shared with the Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority (Savannah JDA) and the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD) on March 25. After reviewing supplemental data and new public comments, USACE has concluded that the project will have a “minor long-term effect” on the water supply, and its impact on the environment will be “insignificant.”
In August 2024, USACE requested additional information on the Hyundai Motor Group Metaplant America (HMGMA) projected water supply to reevaluate its potential effect on the 404 permit, which addresses HMGMA’s impact on wetlands and streams.
According to the memorandum, USACE is satisfied with the response. It also addresses a number of public letters shared during the reevaluation period, noting their concerns about environmental issues are either unfounded, inaccurate or irrelevant to the permit and USACE’s role. Finally, USACE found there would be no impact on threatened or endangered species.
The Savannah JDA and GDEcD appreciate the USACE’s thoroughness and remain dedicated to supporting industry and agriculture while protecting and preserving the environment. This project has always been about the long-term health and success of our communities and the region. In late March, HMGMA held a grand opening where we celebrated the more than 1,200 employees already on the job, part of the 8,500 new jobs that will be created for the region over the next eight years. We look forward to the generational benefits this project will create for Georgia families.
Georgia Department of Economic Development
Pat Wilson
Commissioner
Savannah Harbor-Interstate 16 Corridor Joint Development Authority
Carter Infinger
Chairman
Savannah Economic Development Authority
Trip Tollison
President and CEO