WAYNE COUNTY, Ga. — A proposed data center development in neighboring Wayne County has encountered a significant setback after the developer withdrew from an agreement to purchase 315 acres of industrial property near Jesup.
The Wayne County Industrial Development Authority (IDA) confirmed the withdrawal in an official announcement shared by Wayne County on Tuesday, October 13, 2026.
According to the announcement, the developer notified the authority that it was withdrawing from the purchase and sale agreement for the 315-acre Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development (GRAD) certified industrial site.
The property, located at the Wayne Commerce Center along Waycross Highway in Jesup, will remain under the ownership and control of the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority.
No official reason has been provided for the developer’s decision to withdraw.
The potential development became public in August when the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority announced a purchase agreement involving the industrial property. Atlanta-based SLP Venture III was identified in earlier reporting as the company pursuing the property for a potential data center development.
The proposed land transaction was valued at approximately $23.6 million. The agreement gave the developer an opportunity to evaluate the site and determine whether it could accommodate the proposed project before finalizing the purchase.
One of the major considerations was the availability of sufficient electrical infrastructure to support a large data center. Georgia Power was expected to begin an electrical capacity study in September, a process anticipated to take approximately six months.
The possibility of a large data center in Wayne County prompted public discussion about the potential economic benefits and environmental and infrastructure demands associated with such facilities. Among the concerns raised were electricity consumption, water usage, noise, and the effects of industrial development on surrounding communities.
In September, Jesup officials rejected a proposed moratorium on data center development. The Jesup City Commission subsequently approved an ordinance establishing regulations for potential data centers, including provisions addressing noise, exterior lighting, and water-efficient cooling technology.
The developer’s withdrawal comes shortly after those discussions and regulatory actions. However, there has been no official indication that public opposition, local regulations, or infrastructure concerns contributed to the developer’s decision.
In its October 13th announcement, the Wayne County Industrial Development Authority confirmed that the withdrawal does not change the ownership of the property. The authority stated that it will continue marketing the industrial site and working with other parties interested in locating in Wayne County. Officials also reaffirmed their commitment to economic development, responsible growth, and creating opportunities for county residents.
The announcement means the proposed land transaction involving this developer will not proceed under the existing agreement. It does not necessarily mean that the property will never be considered for a data center or another industrial development.
The development comes as communities across Southeast Georgia continue examining proposals for large-scale data centers. Supporters of these projects often point to potential tax revenue, investment, and economic development opportunities. Others have raised questions about the demands such facilities could place on local electrical systems, water resources, and surrounding communities.
Data center development has also been a topic of discussion in Jeff Davis County, where local officials and residents have considered questions surrounding potential projects and how they should be regulated.
The Wayne County withdrawal represents a significant change in one proposed development, but the broader conversation about data centers and their place in Southeast Georgia is likely to continue.
For now, the 315-acre Wayne County property remains available for future development opportunities. Wayne County officials are encouraging residents to follow the county’s official Facebook page and website for additional information and updates.
Source: Wayne County Government and Wayne County Industrial Development Authority official announcement, October 13, 2026. Background information from previously published regional reporting.
