FORT VALLEY, Ga. — Blue Bird is about to bring new life and new jobs to its old Wanderlodge motorhome facility. The former location closed operation in 2019. The company said they want to re-model it as a new electric bus facility.
According to a release from Congressman Sanford Bishop, Blue Bird received an $80 million grant from the Georgia Department of Energy, to invest in a class D school bus plant. The company confirmed the buses will be electric, adding to its 2000 electric vehicles buses.
Class D bus models have a flat front. An official from Blue Bird told13WMAZ there is a growing demand for the model from school districts nationwide. The grant will cover half of the funding needed for the new site; the other half will be provided by company funds.
Mayor of Fort Valley Jeffrey Lundy said this will new project will add 700 job opportunities for the city. He said it will also create a opportunity for more people to live in Fort Valley.
"It's a celebration day because I was hearing it from the beginning and now seeing it come to fruition," Lundy said. "Not only will it be a place for people to come but well be affording more opportunities. for them to have sit down restaurants, have more entertainment, things of that nature."
Alonzo Allen is a councilman and former Blue Bird employee. He said when Blue Bird thrives, the city thrives.
"Normally when Blue Bird grows, the city of Fort Valley grows and that's the way it always has worked," Allen said. "When Blue Bird goes down, the city goes down. That's the way its always been."
According to the company, this will be an opportunity for school districts to save up to $2,000 in fuel spending. While electric models are priced at nearly $250,000 more than diesel models, a Blue Bird representative said this will allow for schools to spend less on maintenance and provide a breath of fresh air for their students.
"I think well start seeing how that can improve the health of the children who get on those school busses," Lundy said.