O.C.G.A. § 50-8-122 (2019)

(a) The regional commission of each rural economic development area provided for in Code Section 50-8-121 may conduct a study for proposed major economic development projects within its respective rural economic development area. The study shall utilize the most recent economic information available.

(b) The proposed economic development projects must have a major impact on the economy of the area and particularly on the counties within each such area which have a per capita income of less than 70 percent of the United States average or a level of unemployment which is 35 percent or more higher than the state average.

(c) Funds for studies provided for in this Code section shall come from funds appropriated to the Department of Community Affairs specifically for such purpose. The department, in consultation with state agencies, local governments, regional commissions, local development organizations, and others, shall establish guidelines for the distribution of funds to carry out the studies provided for in this Code section and shall establish guidelines for the preparation of economic development project studies. Such guidelines shall be approved by the Board of Community Affairs.