VALDOSTA — The Lowndes-Valdosta Development Authority touted the health of local industry during its Tuesday evening meeting. 

“Our existing industries seem very healthy,” said Stan Crance, existing industry coordinator.

“We’re working with seven existing industries on possible expansion projects with capital investments of about $40 million and job creation of 180 for 2017.

“We’re also working on seven active projects looking to locate to Valdosta and Lowndes County with a potential capital investment of about $646 million and 1,925 new jobs.”

VLDA accountant Tom Davis said the authority remains over-budget by about $135,000 for millage revenue year to date.

Davis said the authority’s millage revenue is offset by under-budget items. The authority is under-budget about $4,000 for legal costs, about $58,000 for prospect development and trade shows and about $6,500 for marketing year to date.

VLDA Executive Director Andrea Schruijer said the VLDA continues working with the medical school prospect.

”We hope to see them in the next week,” Schruijer said.

Crance said the Georgia Beer Company continues moving forward.

“The plans have been approved by the city. We’re just waiting for them to get their finances together,” Crance said.

The VLDA meets next at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, May 16, at 103 Roosevelt Drive in the Development Authority conference room.

The meeting is open to the public.