By: Malia Thomas Posted and last updated Malia Thomas Malia Thomas serves as the neighborhood reporter for Lowndes County. LOWNDES COUNTY, GA — A $50 million liquefied natural gas facility is coming to Lowndes County, with officials saying the investment is critical to meeting rising industrial energy demand and keeping the region competitive for future business recruitment. The Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority announced that Atlanta Gas Light will build a satellite liquefied natural gas, or LNG, facility near Valdosta. The project is designed to address a growing energy capacity problem as manufacturers and food production companies in the region expand their operations. Officials say available natural gas supply in the Valdosta area has largely been consumed by market growth, making the satellite LNG facility the most efficient and cost-effective solution to meet forecasted demand. The facility is projected to create up to 90 jobs during construction, several highly skilled full-time positions, and generate approximately $531,528 in annual local tax revenue. Valdosta-Lowndes County Development Authority President and CEO Niki Ogletree said energy reliability has beco
