The new 75,000-square-foot conference center at Lanier Islands has received additional state funding following the passage of the 2021-22 state budget last week.

The conference center, along with a new 300-room hotel, is being constructed on the former site of the PineIsle Resort. PineIsle was a 224-room hotel that was demolished in 2008.

The state of Georgia has already contributed more than $30 million toward the construction of the new conference center. Private funding by the Lake Lanier Management Company is financing the expansive hotel portion of the project. 

The state of Georgia’s 2021-22 budget will take effect July 1 and it includes an additional $21 million to go toward the new conference center at Lake Lanier Islands.

During the April 16, 2021, board meeting of the Lake Lanier Islands Development Authority, they recognized the additional state funding and voted to take the steps necessary to be able to access those funds through the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.

Phase one, which is infrastructure work that includes the islands’ main sewer line, is set to wrap up in mid-May.

LLIM Co., which leases the land from the state, said the $155 million project could open in late 2023 or 2024, according to company officials.