MOULTRIE, Ga. — A possible federal grant could pay up to 70 percent of an “incubator” project now in the making at Citizens Business Park on Quitman Highway.

On Wednesday, the Colquitt County Economic Development Authority approved a resolution to accept a $1.8 million Economic Development Administration grant, should the application be approved.

The county’s EDA has already approved $1.5 million in Special Local Option Sales Tax monies to go toward this project. That approval paralleled hopes for at least a 50 percent federal grant to assist the project.

A rough figure of $3 million is estimated for this development. Designs are now being completed for this project which in essence is a combination of speculative buildings grouped together.

The development authority began viewing drawings for this development last  summer.

An incubator project is a shell concept of buildings for which tenants (industry and business) can otherwise shape to meet their needs. Moultrie architect Jack R. Wilson was chosen to design the project.

The design taking shape is a “U” shape just to the right of the entrance to the park. It would be visible from the driveway and the Quitman Highway. But there is a green space between the proposed structure and Quitman Highway. It is speculated the project could encompass some 40,000 square feet of business operating space. Inside the “U” shape would be loading docks and trash bins so that they would not be visible from Quitman Highway nor the driveway to the business park.

Bob Montgomery, who manages the SCORE project for Moultrie which gives business advice to people wanting to start up new businesses or expand existing ones, said he has already had contacts from people who are considering leasing space. Darrell Moore, EDA president, said he has had inquiries as well.

This project would encompass from three to five acres at the business park, property already owned by the EDA. Currently, the EDA has 50 to 55 acres of usable property on the north end of the park and 60 to 65 usable acres on the south portion. The SPLOST monies come from the 2002 tax issue.

Moore said the project would involve 20 to 25 bays and 10 to 12 office spaces.

“We’re trying to determine a rental rate structure at the moment,” Moore said. Plans are to have graduated rates for start-up businesses.

Citizens Business Park has been GRAD (Georgia Ready for Accelerated Development) certified, which means industries that might locate there face less risks because site due diligence has already been done.

Moore said there are only about 50 GRAD certified sites in the state.

“There are companies that will only look at GRAD certified sites,” Moore added. He said that certification enhances the chances of getting industries to expand or relocate to an area.