Georgia – Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the most recent grantees of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, in what appears to be a major step toward promoting rural workforce housing. Including more than $5 million, these funds from the One Georgia Authority seek to help three Georgia communities— Hawkinsville, Hinesville, and Waynesboro—have 140 homes built.
This project fits perfectly Governor Kemp’s larger plan to improve infrastructure in regions seeing notable economic development.
“We are not resting on our laurels when it comes to supporting communities experiencing historic economic growth in building the infrastructure they need,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “I want to congratulate these communities on their success and say we look forward to these grants helping further advance the prosperity of the hardworking Georgians of Hawkinsville, Hinesville, and Waynesboro.”
First presented in the governor’s 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative has since attracted significant state legislative financial support. Starting with a $35.7 million budget for the 2023 fiscal year, the project got an additional $50 million for 2024 and another $6 million scheduled for 2025.
“Housing our expanding workforce is critical to Georgia’s continued economic growth and prosperity,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “We remain committed to helping these communities implement intentional and strategic workforce housing solutions.”
Showing a great degree of local dedication to the projects, each award applicant teamed with real estate developers and made use of other financing sources to enhance their applications. The funds are set aside for major infrastructure improvements including roads, water, and sewer systems—all of which are necessary for the construction of new homes.
The project in Hawkinsville provides $2,260,505 for the building of required infrastructure at the 220 McCormick Avenue Subdivision, therefore enabling the development of 58 single-family houses. The local government and Hive Construction are also financially contributing to this project, enhancing the total investment.
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The $1,098,188 grant will support Hinesville to build 31 detached townhouses under the Court Street Project. City money as well as developer contributions help to support this project, therefore building a strong basis for new homes in the neighborhood.
Waynesboro got the most of the money; $2,496,190 was set aside for infrastructure projects supporting the St. George Crossing construction. On a vast 190-acre land, this project will first produce 51 housing units divided between single-family homes and townhomes. Additional money is being provided by the city and developers, which will finally result in greater variety of residential and commercial projects in next phases.
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These subsidies not only show the state’s dedication to helping its rural areas but also operate as a proactive tool to guarantee that Georgia’s expanding workforce has housing needs met. Infrastructure investments help the state open the path for more equitable and environmentally friendly economic development benefiting every Georgian.
