(Byron, GA, December 5, 2025) - Today in Georgia, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins announced $501 million in investments for 59 rural development projects and an additional $405 million in affordable housing in communities across the state of Georgia. These unprecedented investments, coordinated by U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Development (RD), will help boost Georgia's economy, develop rural infrastructure, and encourage private investment in America's heartland.

"President Trump understands how important it is to have a safe, secure, and resilient farm economy. These USDA investments are a direct result of the promise President Trump made to make rural America great again. If we do not have a strong rural economy here in Georgia, then we will not have the workers, the truckers, the foresters, or the countless other members of the community along the entire food supply chain that feeds our nation," said Secretary Brooke Rollins. "At USDA, we are ensuring no rural community is left behind through the investments like the ones announced today in rural Georgia. Working alongside Georgia's great people, businesses, communities and partners, we are ushering in a new golden age of prosperity in rural America."

"Our dedicated team has been quietly hard at work, investing nearly a billion dollars in rural Georgia this past year. I have always said Rural Development programs are the catalyst for the creation of strong, healthy, and resilient rural communities. As a versatile mission area of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development offers a variety of programs, from home repairs for senior citizens and support for rural businesses, to the construction of water and wastewater infrastructure and beyond, and we look forward to continuing to build prosperity throughout rural Georgia," said Georgia State Director Joyce White.

By the Numbers:

• Community Projects Funded: 59
• Community Investment: $501 million
• Investment in Affordable Housing: $405 million
• Total Investment: $906 million

Projects Highlighted:

• Hospital Authority of Randolph County received a $4 million Community Facilities Grant to support major renovations and equipment purchases to it back to full operational standards, covering critical construction, utilities, and engineering needs. Combined with additional federal investments, the project positions the community hospital for long-term stability and improved patient care.
• Jasper County Water and Sewer Authority will use a $3.3 million Water and Waste Loan and Grant to upgrade Jasper County's water system with a new 300,000-gallon elevated tank, improved lines, and hydrants to fix pressure issues and reduce disinfection by-products. These improvements move the Authority toward greater system independence and capacity for future customers.
• Hunter Cattle Company, LLC will use a $250,000 Value-Added Producer Grant to support their expansion into value-added beef tallow soap products through funding for processing, delivery, operations, and marketing. The project will help the family-run operation grow its brand and boost rural economic opportunity.
• Georgia Transmission Corp will use a $2.4 million Electric Loan to strengthen Georgia's electric grid by building 20 miles of new transmission lines, upgrading 17 existing lines, and modernizing critical equipment across the state. These improvements will support reliable power for the 4.5 million customers served by Georgia's electric membership cooperatives.
• Seminole County Board of Education will use a $980,690 Distance Learning & Telemedicine Grant to equip two hub/end-user sites in Seminole County with modern distance-learning technology, giving students new access to courses in computer science, agricultural education, and dual-credit programs. The project will strengthen learning opportunities and expand college and career-ready pathways for 1,350 students.

About USDA Rural Development:

USDA Rural Development invests in rural America with loan, grant, and loan guarantee programs to promote rural prosperity. The commitment and resources we bring to rural communities help drive economic security and prosperity. Our programs expand access to high-speed internet, electric, and transportation infrastructure, and support business growth, healthcare, education, housing, and other community essentials. Learn more online at https://www.rd.usda.gov.

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