Tempers flare as opponents blast authority pushing for approval of Rivian plant

NEWTON COUNTY, Ga. — Anger boiled over Tuesday as the Stanton Springs Joint Development Authority listened to public input just a day after it announced it had asked the state of Georgia to assist in the approval process for the proposed $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle plant to be located about 45 minutes east of Atlanta.

The Georgia Department of Economic Development will now create four different committees to oversee parts of the approval process.

Economic Development Commissioner Pat Wilson said doing that will streamline the process.

“Our goal is to streamline the project process, giving community members a strong voice throughout,” Wilson said. “We will continuously work with our city and county governments to ensure that every concern is heard, and every question answered.”

But at a Monday meeting of the JDA in Madison, many opponents worried their voices would not be heard now that the state was stepping in.

They felt there would be no more local accountability.

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“You don’t know it, but these people are angry,” opponent Edwin Snell told Authority members. “I tell you these people are angry. They’re hurt and they’re scared and you don’t represent them, sir.”

“We’re known as the town Sherman didn’t burn,” opponent Marsha Stephens said. “Y’all will forever have the legacy of ruining it.”

The proposed $5 billion Rivian Electric Vehicle plant is the largest economic development project in state history.

The plant would sit on 2,000 acres in four different counties and could create more than 7,500 direct jobs and even more ancillary jobs.

JDA Chair Jerry Silvio said of the state’s participation, “The JDA is grateful for the State’s partnership on the Rivian project and looks forward to helping as needed. The JDA wants everyone to feel a sense of ownership and inclusion as we welcome Rivian to our community.”

If approved, construction on the site could start this summer with the first electric vehicle rolling off the assembly line in 2024.

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