(Media release from the Rome-Floyd Development Authority):
The Rome Floyd Development Authority announced on Wednesday that Congress has allocated $5.1 million in their 2023 budget for the redevelopment of the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital Property. The Rome Floyd Development Authority applied for Congressionally Directed Spending from the offices of Senator Raphael Warnock and Senator Jon Ossoff in March of 2022. This $5.1 million accompanies a $500,000 grant awarded by the Environmental Protection Agency for assessment purposes. These funds will be used for the remediation of the site and for future demolition and development.
“It is with great excitement that we announce the awarded Congressionally Directed Spending. These funds will be a significant tool used to transform the property into a positive economic growth generator. We are sincerely grateful for Senators Raphael Warnock and Jon Ossoff’s support,” said Jimmy Byars, Chair of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority.
The Authority participated in a rigorous application process through both Senators’ offices to secure consideration for funding.
“I appreciate Senators Warnock and Ossoff’s effort in getting this money for our community. This is the first time in eight years that Rome and Floyd County has received Congressionally Directed Spending and I appreciate their continual dialogue with us to secure these funds,” said Sundai Stevenson, Mayor of the City of Rome.
Since the Authority purchased the property from the State of Georgia earlier this year, it has been used by law enforcement agencies for multiple trainings, and several filming entities have also shown interest.
The former hospital site includes 132.5 acres of land and contains 66 buildings and 583,962 square feet built from 1942 to 1997. When the hospital was first established, it primarily existed to serve Tuberculosis patients. This Congressional allocation will assist in the conversion of the property into a Class A industrial park.