ATLANTA – The Georgia House Economic Development and Tourism Committee convened last week during Crossover Day to assess initiatives aimed at bolstering the state’s economy through tourism and infrastructure projects. State Representative Steven Sainz (R – St Marys), who serves as the committee’s secretary and represents House District 180 encompassing Camden County, facilitated discussions on the projects within his district.
“I look forward to the fruition of this project and plan to do everything the state can to help bring it to Camden County,” said Rep. Sainz. “I urge local voters to fully understand the SPLOST proposal and participate in this crucial vote for Camden’s future.”
“This project exemplifies the very purpose of the Tourism Development Grant,” said State Representative Ron Stephens (R – Savannah), Chairman of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee. “It’s an innovative approach to retain consumer spending within Georgia, fostering local economic growth.”
Georgia/Florida Sports Project: Enhancing Sports Tourism in Camden County
During the meeting, the committee received presentations from Bill Gross of W.H. Gross Construction and James Coughlin, Executive Director of the Camden County Joint Development Authority (JDA), regarding the Georgia/Florida Sports Project. This initiative aims to attract sports tourism by developing facilities and events that currently see consumer spending directed to neighboring states like Florida and South Carolina. The project is under consideration for funding through mechanisms such as the Sports Tourism Development Grant.
The state’s focus on this project would align with Camden County voters’ upcoming decision on the Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) IX referendum, scheduled for March 18, 2025. The Georgia/Florida Sports Project is listed as a Tier II priority following the Camden County Safety Complex. The outcome of the SPLOST vote would influence local support and funding for the project.
Following the presentation, during the committee members’ questions to those testifying, Bill Gross highlighted the economic benefits of focusing on girls’ sports events. He stated, “We know that girls’ sports events bring with them more local spending. A family is more likely to send little Johnny with some cash and a pat on the back, whereas little Stephanie is likely going on the bus with her mom, dad, and brothers following in the minivan. That added family spending can become a great boon to Camden’s local economy.” He emphasized that the project’s partners have the expertise to specifically target these events. James Coughlin added that an objective in Camden County’s plan is to be The Amateur Sports Center of Georgia and North Florida.
This initiative would gain additional significance in light of recent legislative actions. The Georgia House recently passed House Bill 267, known as the Riley Gaines Act, which aims to protect the integrity of girls’ sports by ensuring that participation in female athletic teams would be based on biological sex.
St. Marys Gateway Project: Upcoming Committee Site Visit
The St. Marys Gateway Project was also discussed during the planning process for the committee meeting. This project would involve a public-private partnership to develop a boutique hotel and convention center on a site purchased by St. Marys several years ago. Due to scheduling conflicts between the committee meeting in Atlanta and the St. Marys Gateway committee meeting on the coast, project representatives were unable to attend. However, plans are being made for the committee to visit the Gateway site during the off-session months of May through September to assess the project’s potential.
*Editor’s note: a photo of the House Economic Development and Tourism Committee is attached.
Representative Steven Sainz represents the citizens of District 180, which includes Camden County, as well as a portion of Glynn County. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2018 and currently serves as Chairman of the Interstate Cooperation Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Human Resources, Defense & Veterans Affairs, Economic Development & Tourism, Governmental Affairs, Public Safety and Homeland Security and State Properties committees.
Representative Ron Stephens represents the citizens of District 164, which includes portions of Bryan and Chatham counties. He was first elected to the House of Representatives in 1996 and currently serves as Chairman of the Economic Development & Tourism Committee. He also serves on the Appropriations Subcommittee on Health, Creative Arts & Entertainment, Rules, Urban Affairs and Ways & Means committees, as well as the Special Committee on Resource Management.
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