September 16, 2021–11:01 a.m.
NEWS RELEASE
The Rome Floyd County Development Authority announced today that the State of Georgia has accepted their offer for the purchase of the Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital Property. Rome and Floyd County leaders have considered many options for the site including housing and social services but determined the best use of the property would be to create jobs and grow capital investment to replace what was lost when the hospital closed 10 years ago. The closure left 700 employees without a job and 2,000 patients without medical care. There have been numerous offers, counteroffers, plans, and ideas proposed for this property since 2011 and the Development Authority is excited to finally see a future for the former Northwest Georgia Regional Hospital. Using designated SPLOST funds, the City of Rome and Floyd County will purchase the property for $2.25 million dollars.
“When evaluating the property for economic development, this site has been included as a top choice since the beginning, due to the size, location, and availability of rail and infrastructure. A study done by the City of Rome and the Rome Floyd County Development Authority considered several development options and concluded that economic development would provide the highest return on investment. Rome and Floyd County will continue to work together to provide a Class A GRAD Certified site to present to prospects. It will not happen overnight, but we are ready to start down this road,” said Jimmy Byars, Chair of the Rome Floyd County Development Authority.
“I have felt all along that the highest and best use of the property was for job creation,” said Craig McDaniel, Mayor of the City of Rome. “I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp, the State Properties Commission, and especially our legislative delegation for their support of our request.”
The former hospital site includes132.5 acres of land and contains 195 buildings. When the hospital was first established, it primarily existed to serve Tuberculosis and mentally ill patients. This announcement marks a historic moment for the Rome and Floyd County community, as it will bean opportunity to transform the abandoned property into an economic growth generator for Rome and Floyd County.
“It was very encouraging to hear the local governments’ united vision for this life-enriching opportunity for citizens in Northwest Georgia,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “The sale of this property to the Rome Floyd County Development Authority will yield tremendous returns for both the state and the community.
y, given the potential for job creation and sustained economic investment. We look forward to the day when a quality prospect decides this is the right fit to locate or expand in the Peach State, further adding to our reputation as the number one state for business.”
“This is great news for Rome and Floyd County. We needed to have this large tract and large opportunity in the hands of the Development Authority to guarantee development with the prime emphasis being on job creation,” said Wright Bagby, Chair of the Floyd County Commission. “It is especially gratifying to be part of a community that through the citizen’s SPLOST votes for Economic Development have given us the resources to acquire this property.”
Most of the buildings will be demolished to make room for new construction. Warehouse space is located on the property and will be available for lease. The chapel located on the property will be preserved and used as office space and plans are to retain one of the buildings as a possible childcare facility for prospective industry employees. **