(The Center Square) — Georgia’s governor has doled out another $9 million in taxpayer money for new housing in four places across the Peach State.
According to a news release, the money, part of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, will support more than 400 housing units. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, announced the initiative in his 2023 State of the State address, and lawmakers included $35.7 million for it in the amended 2023 fiscal budget.
“This latest round of grants will help four more communities provide the needed infrastructure to meet demand as even more opportunity comes to rural parts of our state,” Kemp said in an announcement. “Georgians deserve to be able to live in the same communities where they work, and this program is helping to make sure they can.”
As part of the latest tranche of funding, the state awarded Alma nearly $2.5 million, Vidalia $2.5 million, the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority $1.5 million and the Development Authority of Donalsonville and Seminole County $2.5 million. The money will support various infrastructure initiatives, including water, sewer and street improvements.
The latest funding follows a September announcement when state officials awarded nearly $8.4 million in grants as part of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. Kemp is poised to give his 2024 State of the State address on Thursday to a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly.
Georgia Rural Workforce Housing Grant Recipients
| Recipient | Amount | Project Details |
|---|---|---|
| City of Alma | $2,498,218 | The City of Alma will receive an infrastructure grant for nearly $2.5 million to construct the necessary water, sewer, and street improvements for the 40-acre Teresa’s Estate Subdivision with 24 new housing units. The improvements will also enable the construction of 36 homes in phase 2. The City of Alma is contributing to total project costs. T.L. Jordan Construction LLC is the local development partner. |
| City of Vidalia | $2,500,000 | The City of Vidalia will be awarded $2.5 million for the Triple Oaks Subdivision’s water, sewer, street and drainage improvements. The local development partner, Stanley Farms, will construct 70 homes within the subdivision. The project site can develop 150 homes in the second and third phases. The City of Vidalia and Stanley Farms will contribute to the total project costs of $2,985,891. |
| Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority | $1,500,000 | The Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority will receive $1.5 million to construct street and stormwater drainage to complete the 3-acre South Hamilton Residential Infill Project supporting 39 new homes. The City of Dalton, the Joint Development Authority, and Believe Greater Dalton will contribute to the total of $2,192,278. |
| Development Authority of Donalsonville and Seminole County | $2,500,000 | The Development Authority of Donalsonville and Seminole County will be awarded $2.5 million for necessary water, sewer, street, and drainage improvements for 53 homes in the first phase of a subdivision. The development is located on 125 acres and has capacity for 67 additional homes. Southwest Georgia Properties LLC is the local developer partner. |
The project details are edited from the official descriptions provided by the Office of Governor Brian P. Kemp.
By T.A. DeFeo | The Center Square contributor
