Two Georgia Cities Receive Rural Center Grants for Infrastructure, Redevelopment

Two Georgia cities are among five rural communities awarded grants this month by the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, known as Georgia's Rural Center. The grants are part of $302,000 approved by the center, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture, to support economic growth and community needs across rural Georgia.

"Through Georgia's Rural Center, we are making strategic investments to ensure rural communities across our state have the support they need to succeed and are well-positioned to compete for new jobs and opportunity," said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper. "These targeted investments in education, healthcare, housing, and workforce development will have a significant, positive impact, and we look forward to continuing to make investments in the success of communities throughout rural Georgia."

Projects

Chickamauga Site Redevelopment Study
A $40,000 grant will fund a study evaluating the potential reuse of the former Crystal Springs Mill site and other city-owned properties to support long-term economic growth.

McCaysville Water Filtration Replacement
The city received $67,000 to replace two aging water filtration systems critical to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for residents and businesses.

Stewart County Housing Study
A $20,000 grant will fund a housing study assessing current housing needs and help position the county to provide attainable housing options through the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing program.

Echols County Extension
The Echols County UGA Extension Office received $25,000 to purchase a livestock trailer and updated livestock scales to better serve local youth livestock exhibitors and agricultural producers.

Irwin County Hospital Equipment
Irwin County Hospital and Palemon Gaskins Nursing Home received $75,000 to replace outdated kitchen equipment that affects their ability to provide quality meals to residents, patients, and staff.