Project Camellia Work Session

The Effingham County Board of Commissioners held a work session on August 29, 2026, to discuss Project Camellia, a major industrial development involving a data center campus by OpenAI. The meeting covered the history and zoning of the project site, the role of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority (ECIDA), and the economic development agreement including a Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) structure. The PILOT agreement locks in a millage rate and provides predictable tax revenue to the county and school district, with projected annual revenues reaching approximately $27 million for the county and $39 million for schools by full buildout in 2032. The project also includes commitments to local job creation, community investments, and infrastructure improvements. The county outlined the development review process, environmental and noise mitigation measures, and power supply arrangements, emphasizing protections for existing ratepayers and community benefits. The meeting highlighted ongoing administrative reviews and the county's efforts to ensure accountability and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.