Thursday, February 20, 2025–9:35 a.m.

-Adam Carey, Rome News-Tribune-

This story is possible because of a news-sharing agreement with the Rome News-Tribune. More information can be found at northwestgeorgianews.com

A likely temporary federal funding freeze has stopped work at the Battey Business Complex in Rome.

The Rome-Floyd Development Authority has been awarded $7.16 million in federal grants for environmental assessment and cleanup through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. However, the funds have been frozen as part of the Trump administration’s downsizing initiative.

“All work has currently stopped on the Battey Business Complex,” Rome-Floyd Development Authority CEO Missy Kendrick said. “I’m hopeful that work will resume shortly.”

Kendrick said Tuesday that she expects the vendors working on the Battey Business Complex will be paid for all work to date; the authority had already submitted all outstanding invoices before the freeze took effect.

“I don’t believe our federal funding is at risk,” Kendrick said. “However, some payments may be slowed down.”

The RFCDA also welcomed two new members to the board, Ryan Miller of VT Industries and Evie McNiece, chair of the Rome Floyd Chamber. They were sworn in by Floyd County Superior Court Chief Judge John “Jack” Niedrach.

The board also announced the purchase of two properties adjacent to the North Floyd Industrial Park near the Lowe’s Distribution Center at the Ga. 53 and Adairsville Road junction.

The properties are at the end of Prosperity Way, which services the distribution center. The RFCDA also owns a 50-acre plot east of the distribution center, and the two parcels purchased will help access the larger plot.