Community reacts to revival of Rivian Georgia plant project [Video]

RUTLEDGE, Ga. — Rivian’s resumption of its auto assembly plant in Walton and Morgan counties is getting mixed reviews locally. The state has backed the project with incentives worth more than a billion dollars.

Now, the electric truck maker says it’s getting a loan from the federal government to complete the plant.  

It has been the unusual economic development story where a project promises seven thousand new jobs and yet a surprising number of people don’t want it.

“Yeah. I’m not happy about it one bit,” said Eddie Clay on Tuesday. He has been happy to let passersby know about his opposition to the Rivian plant, with a giant sign on the edge of his property.

When bulldozers started churning up earth across the road to clear the site for the electric truck assembly plant, Clay’s well water started turning brown, and he said it’s still that way.

“I’m frustrated with the water in my house, the well,” he said …