Regional Assets
Four Distinct Advantages to Doing Business in Columbia County
Columbia County boasts a premier location in the South and can reach more than ¾ of U.S. consumers within a two-hour flight. Our labor market, fueled by Augusta University and Augusta Technical College, is a strong asset and is backed by Augusta MSA’s skilled labor shed of more than 400,000. But four institutions are the primary drivers of the region and are distinct advantages to doing business in Columbia County. A renowned healthcare system, a nationally-recognized cybersecurity center, a Department of Energy site specializing in nuclear materials management and clean up, and a power generating plant that will eventually supply power to 500,000 Georgia homes and businesses. These are Columbia County’s differentiators and job creators, as well as the entities that are making the biggest impact on the regional economy.
Healthcare
There are nine major hospitals in the Augusta MSA that serve the healthcare demands of 18 regional counties, including Columbia County. The industry employs more than 25,000, making it a fundamental component of the local and regional workforce. Healthcare in the Augusta MSA generates nearly $2 billion in economic impact for the region. Healthcare in the region will only improve as Augusta University Medical Center opens the first hospital in Columbia County in 2026. The facility will implement the same world-class patient care and educational opportunities that gains ample recognition.
Savannah River Site
The Savannah River Site (SRS) is a national and global leader in nuclear materials management, clean up, and nuclear non-proliferation and is home to the Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL). The SRS is focused on three main objectives: transforming liabilities into assets to reduce the environmental impact of nuclear materials and radioactive waste, enhancing national security through customized solutions that aid in global nuclear non-proliferation and detection, and accelerating deployment of nuclear energy while supporting regional energy sustainability efforts.
Plant Vogtle
Plant Vogtle in Waynesboro, Georgia, features four reactors and is now the largest generator of clean energy in the United States, following the recent completion of Units 3 and 4—the first new nuclear units constructed in the U.S. in the last 30 years. The Alvin W. Vogtle Electric Generating Plant is one of Georgia Power’s two nuclear facilities and one of three in the Southern Company system. It is co-owned by Georgia Power, Oglethorpe Power Corporation, Municipal Electric Authority of Georgia, and Dalton Utilities. Unit 1 began commercial operation in 1987, Unit 2 in 1989, Unit 3 on July 31, 2023, and Unit 4 on April 29, 2024. Plant Vogtle has been a certified wildlife habitat by the Wildlife Habitat Council since 1993. Over 1,700 professionals, including engineers, mechanics, control room operators, chemists, electricians, and security officers, ensure the plant’s safe and reliable operations 24/7.
Fort Gordon
Fort Gordon, established southwest of Augusta, Georgia in October 1941, is a major U.S. Army installation. It is home to the United States Army Signal Corps, United States Army Cyber Command, the Cyber Center of Excellence, and the National Security Agency/Central Security Service’s Georgia Cryptologic Center. With over 16,000 military service members and 13,500 civilian personnel, Fort Gordon is one of the largest U.S. Army installations globally. The installation plays a crucial role in Advanced Individual Training for Signal Corps military occupational specialties, with an increasing focus on Signals Intelligence.
