The Georgia Ports Authority has updated its search engine for manufacturing and logistics sites to make it more comprehensive and easier to access.

"This is just one more way that Georgia welcomes new and expanding businesses to our state," said Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal. "Our tax structure, specialized workforce training, and, especially, our superior logistics network make Georgia the No. 1 state to do business."

The GPA's web-based Commercial Corridors Tool now works on all platforms, including mobile devices.

'Making a smart investment in a new business location requires reliable, up-to-date information on available property and transportation options," said GPA Executive Director Curtis Foltz. "Our revamped Commercial Corridors Tool is now more useful and more flexible than ever - putting the right information at your fingertips, so that companies can make the right choices on property development."

Users may now search for available land or buildings by any of several criteria, such as:

• Property type

• Real estate listing

• For lease or sale

• Size

• Interstate or highway corridor

• Location

• Distance to port or rail facilities

• Tax credit tier

Another new feature is the ability to toggle between aerial photos and maps showing buildings and land.

"Those who are considering Georgia locations can also now bookmark for later review sites on four main corridors: I-95, I-16, Savannah River Parkway or Highway 341," said Cliff Pyron, chief commercial officer at the GPA. 'By working with partners such as Georgia Power to share data, the listings are now more extensive and updated more frequently."

Pedro Cherry, vice president of community and economic development for Georgia Power, said GPA's Commercial Corridors Tool complements his team's efforts at the Georgia Resource Center.

"Georgia Power can also provide detailed workforce analyses, demographic reports and information about current economic conditions and forecasts," Cherry said. "Our research team works hard to make this massive collection of statistical information easy to understand through the use of motion charts, heat maps and other visualization tools."

GPA Board Chairman Robert Jepson called the updated Commercial Corridors Tool an important new offering.

"Surrounded by available land and industrial space, the Port of Savannah is in an enviable position," Jepson said. "We are already the load center for containerized trade in the Southeast, but we still have substantial room to grow. The Corridors Tool is an invaluable resource for companies seeking to tap into this market."