Medient Studios, Inc. announced the commencement of drilling for the fresh water well. The well is expected to be operational within 280 days.

The existing 155 foot tall water tower can hold up to 500,000 gallons of water. The new well is currently permitted to draw up to 150,000 gallons per day. The well is capable of drawing over 2 million gallons a day.

A locally owned business, PINCO, was awarded the drilling contract. PINCO specializes in water and sewer infrastructure construction.

John Henry of the Effingham County Industrial Development Authority stated, "Drilling this well should allow the studios to get up and running quickly now."

Manu Kumaran, Chairman of the Board of Medient, stated, "Water is the fundamental prerequisite for all other elements of the construction process. We expect to commence work on the roads in the next few days as well."

The company had released Activity Guidance Estimates in April and expects construction to stay on schedule.