ATLANTA - Governor Brian Kemp announces the next round of Rural Workforce Housing awards from OneGeorgia Authority.
Governor Brian P. Kemp announced the next round of grant recipients for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, totaling more than $5 million in infrastructure development and supporting 140 housing units in three communities. All award recipients demonstrated strong collaboration and partnership with real estate developers.
"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 announced in the governor's 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative is a catalyst for the development of critically needed workforce housing in communities across the state. The Georgia General Assembly approved $35.7 million to start the initiative in the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, a further $50 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget, and an additional $6 million for Fiscal Year 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."
In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment to increasing access to affordable housing for workers. The use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be utilized within two years from the date of award.
City of Hawkinsville
The City of Hawkinsville was awarded $2,260,505 in OneGeorgia grant funds to construct road, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements for 58 new single-family housing units within the 220 McCormick Avenue Subdivision. The City is contributing $70,000 while Hive Construction contributes $124,000 towards total project costs.
City of Hinesville
The City of Hinesville received a grant of $1,098,188 for street drainage as well as water and sewer infrastructure development for 31 detached townhomes within Court Street Project. The city contributes $591,910 with developer partner adding another $420,200.
City of Waynesboro
The City was awarded $2,496,190 by OneGeorgia funds aimed at constructing street drainage alongside water-sewer infrastructures facilitating construction allowing formation involving about fifty-one newly proposed homes located around St.George Crossing occupying approximately one hundred ninety acres tract; initial phase permits twenty-seven single-family homes together forming twenty-four townhouses being built subsequently .