VALDOSTA, Ga. — The Lowndes County Commission approved a $5.8 million project this week for the Hahira area.

It’s a new multi-purpose soccer complex that is expected to make a large economic impact in North Lowndes County.

This project has been years in the making and by this time next year, it will finally be a reality.

In about a year, an eight field, multipurpose soccer complex will be built.

Lowndes County commissioners approved the multi-million-dollar project that’s been in the making for eight years.

“As you see right now, we’re looking at an unfinished site. So, the county commissioners approved funding last night for the project and so I’m sure the construction will get started quickly,” Lowndes County Chairman Bill Slaughter said.

Figuring out how to pay for the project has delayed it.

“The funding was a big issue and we were able to get the funding allocated through SPLOST VI, part of it and then we were able to finish up the funding through SPLOST VII, which we are currently in,” Slaughter said.

With the City of Hahira having grown 68 percent from 2000 to 2018, Slaughter said this will only add to the growth of North Lowndes County.

“It’s going to be an economic development process for them as well. I’m sure that when the complex gets opened up, Parks and Rec will be managing the complex. There will be tournaments held, folks coming in from outside of our community, bringing their SPLOST dollars in here and they will continue to help us with not only this project but other projects in the future,” Slaughter said.

More than 60 acres of land was donated for the complex, making it possible for SPLOST dollars to go to fields and buildings.

Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority Executive Director George Page said this was worth the wait.

“Good things happen to those who wait, sometimes, and I will tell you this is a prime example of that,” Page said.

City leaders have to approve a final budget by June 30.