Effingham County, Georgia, is set to become the site of one of the largest private capital investments in the history of coastal Georgia, as OpenAI announced plans to establish a data center campus within the existing Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, a 2,600-acre global logistics campus developed by The Broe Group.

A Landmark Investment for Coastal Georgia

The Effingham County Industrial Development Authority, the Effingham County Board of Commissioners, and the Effingham County School District jointly announced the project on July 22, 2026, describing it as a transformational moment for the region.

The USD 20 billion capital investment will be located within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub in Rincon, Georgia, and is framed by county officials as aligning with OpenAI's broader initiative to expand computing infrastructure needed to support the next generation of artificial intelligence technologies.

The project is expected to create 400 long-term jobs and significantly expand the local tax base. Officials say the revenue it generates will support infrastructure improvements and new educational partnerships designed to prepare Effingham County students for careers in technology, engineering, skilled trades, cybersecurity, and advanced manufacturing.

ECIDA Chief Executive Officer Brandt Herndon said the project represents more than just a capital infusion. "Economic development is about attracting companies that create lasting value for the community," Herndon said.

"This project represents a major private investment that will generate substantial new tax revenue, bring hundreds of high-paying jobs, and create new opportunities for local businesses, contractors, suppliers, and our future workforce."

Project Zero: Eliminating County Homestead Property Taxes

Perhaps the most striking element of the announcement is the potential elimination of county homestead property taxes for Effingham County residents, an initiative county leaders are calling Project Zero.

Effingham County Manager Tim Callanan said the revenue generated by the OpenAI data center could make that goal a reality as early as next year.

"This project has the potential to change the financial future of Effingham County in ways that will benefit our citizens for generations," Callanan said.

"Most importantly, it has the potential to become the catalyst for Project Zero, our commitment to eliminate county homestead property taxes.

The revenue generated by this project will accelerate that vision and make Project Zero a reality as early as next year."

Current estimates project the average homeowner would see a 40 percent reduction in property taxes. Callanan noted that county officials conducted firsthand research and visited comparable facilities before moving forward, saying they worked extensively with the company and regional partners to ensure community concerns were thoroughly addressed.

School District Prioritizes Community Impact

The inclusion of the Effingham County School District in the announcement reflects a deliberate effort by local leaders to tie the investment directly to educational outcomes.

Superintendent Dr. Yancy Ford said he personally visited several data centers before endorsing the project.

"After personally visiting several data centers to ensure this project would be a net-positive partner, I am confident OpenAI is the right fit for Effingham," Ford said.

"This partnership will successfully lower property taxes for residents while investing in teacher and staff resources and salaries and expanding opportunities for our students."

OpenAI's commitments to the school district include workforce development partnerships, internship and career awareness programs for students, and collaboration with local colleges and technical education partners.

The company has also committed to providing opportunities for local contractors and suppliers during both construction and operations phases.

Community Engagement and Transparency

County leaders have signaled an intention to keep residents informed throughout the development process. A joint website, EffinghamGateway.com, has been established to provide public updates, community meeting information, and project details.

Additional information about construction timelines, workforce opportunities, and educational partnerships is also available at ProjectCamellia.com, with officials stating that more information will be released as project milestones are reached.

An open house for the public was scheduled for July 23, 2026, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at the Effingham College and Career Academy, giving residents an opportunity to learn more directly from project stakeholders.

Strategic Location Within a Growing County

The project will be situated within the Savannah Gateway Industrial Hub, a large-scale logistics campus developed by The Broe Group that spans 2,600 acres.

Effingham County is described by the ECIDA as one of Georgia's fastest-growing communities, located along the Savannah metropolitan corridor.

The ECIDA's stated mission centers on recruiting quality employers and expanding economic opportunity through strategic industrial recruitment and workforce development.

The authority also maintains existing partnerships with local schools to connect students with career opportunities in industry, a framework that officials say positions Effingham County to maximize the long-term benefits of OpenAI's presence.