Georgia Gov. Deal announces expansion of cybersecurity complex

FILE - In this March 28, 2016 file photo, Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal speaks during a news conference in Atlanta. Tuesday, Nov. 8 presidential results and Georgians’ rejection of a proposed amendment to the state constitution are already having an effect on the upcoming legislative session. Health care and education issues were expected to dominate 2017 at the Capitol. But key policymakers say discussions about expanding Medicaid in Georgia are likely on hold. Deal says he’s mulling options after voters rejected allowing a state takeover of some schools. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

By Associated Press December 4, 2017 2 min read

AUGUSTA, Ga. (AP) – The next phase of a multimillion-dollar cybersecurity training center taking shape in downtown Augusta is expected to be completed by the end of 2018.

Georgia Gov. Nathan Deal recently announced an additional $35 million in funding for the Hull McKnight Georgia Cyber Innovation and Training Center.

The second building will be an incubator hub for technology startups and a training space for state cybersecurity initiatives and workforce development programs, The Augusta Chronicle reported.

The five-floor structure “will almost mirror the original building,” said Calvin Rhodes, the state’s chief information officer and the executive director of the Georgia Technology Authority.

Both structures will share the center’s 320-seat auditorium, he said.