VALDOSTA The Valdosta-Lowndes Development Authority is working on several projects, had a site visit and is meeting with a medical school.

Executive Director Andrea Schruijer said the Development Authority is working with eight projects with a total capital investment of $156 million and could create 455 new jobs.

Six of the projects are new and two of the projects are with existing industries, Schruijer said.

One of the proposed projects includes the medical school. A medical school has been proposed for the Valdosta High School North Forrest Street site once the new VHS opens.

Last week, a prospective project came to the Valdosta-Lowndes County area for a site visit, Schruijer said. The visit went extremely well and the project representatives have expressed interest in a return visit.

Were working with them and the land owner to see how we can work and facilitate some of that and rail, she said. Its a very heavy rail project.

The VLDA also met with the proposed medical school the Wednesday following the meeting. Schruijer will also be meeting with the Valdosta-Lowndes County Chamber of Commerces board to update it on the medical school.

The authority also held its Business Retention Action Team Luncheon in conjunction with Georgia Tech Manufacturing hosted at Wiregrass Technical College.

They learned a lot about solar energy and some of their incentives that are offered to help them with that, Schruijer said.

The VLDA has done retail leakage reports for Lake Parks outlet mall, she said. The report shows what the mall needs and what would fit best for the city.

The VLDA meets 5:30 p.m., the third Tuesday of each month, at 103 Roosevelt Drive. The meetings are open to the public. The next meeting will be March 28.

Jason Smith is a reporter at The Valdosta Daily Times. He can be contacted at 229-244-3400 ext.1256.

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Medical school, industry focus of meeting - Valdosta Daily Times