MOULTRIE, Ga. — In separate actions Wednesday the Moultrie-Colquitt County Development Authority launched two projects — one that would invest in a business enterprise and another that would liquidate property.

The authority voted to use $1.5 million in Special Local Option Sales Tax monies from the 2002 SPLOST to “explore the idea” of building an “incubator” building at Citizens Business Park on Quitman Highway on property already owned by the authority.

The proposal is to build a shell that can be partitioned off to accomodate upstart businesses.

Development Authority Director Darrell Moore said there is a demand for these kinds of projects and noted that he has visited some other communities where incubators have been built.

“This concept is exciting,” said Chairman Larry Franklin.

Franklin said four local companies have already expressed interest in this type of development.

He further noted that while it is great to land a large commercial project like Publix in the community, it’s equally important to pursue those businesses that hire 10 to 15 employees each who can then shop at Publix and other stores.

He also noted that this idea parallels the local SCORE (Service Corporation of Retired Executives) initiative that helps guide would-be entrepreneurs in starting up new businesses or expanding exsiting ones. Business volunteers serve as mentors to help business beginners understand what they need to launch and sustain a commercial enterprise.

The SCORE project for Moultrie and Colquitt County was recently recognized for its mentoring program. A reception was held here to recognize the Moultrie chapter and to honor retired banker Bob Montgomery, who heads up the local SCORE project, for his mentoring prowess.

In discussing the incubator project, authority member Daniel Dunn said this move should require considerable strategic planning. “Let’s look around at other projects and find out what works,” he said.

Member Jim Matney said the authority definitely needs to utilize these capital funds after determining a viable project.

In subsequent action, the board voted to seek sealed bids to sell what is known as the Cole Property south of Moultrie.

This is 87.5 acres of primarily farm land is currently valued at about $260,000. Earlier attempts to sell the property have failed.

The property is now rented by Colquitt County farmer Mike Mobley. Any sale would allow Mobley to complete his crop on the farm land.