Video: GTR LINK Lays Out Plans For The Future

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COLUMBUS, Miss. (WCBI) — The Golden Triangle LINK is changing how it’s organized in an effort to save money, while recruiting developers.

The group will not form the GTR Development Authority, as first planned. Now, it will ask lawmakers to approve a local and private bill next session.

This would allow the GTR LINK to enter into a three to five-year contract with Lowndes, Oktibbeha, and Clay Counties to develop a long-term funding strategy for the organization.

The counties would be responsible for collecting the money from cities and other local economic development boards.

“We can do it this way and do it cheaper for our private sector partners and cheaper for our public sector partners. And, you know, when you factor in that it’s working, it’s cheaper, and we can be just as effective. It was an easy decision,” explained GTR LINK CEO Joe Higgins.

A chamber of commerce position will remain for the city of Columbus.

Two people from each county will sit on the executive committee.

A five-year plan for all three counties will presented in March.