Peach Tree Times

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced a new round of grants for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, allocating over $5 million to support infrastructure development and create 140 housing units across three communities in Georgia. The grant recipients have shown effective collaboration 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," stated Governor 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."

This initiative was first introduced during Governor Kemp's 2023 State of the State Address as a response to critical workforce housing needs throughout Georgia. The state legislature has allocated significant funding for this initiative, including $35.7 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, an additional $50 million for Fiscal Year 2024, and another $6 million earmarked for Fiscal Year 2025.

"Housing our expanding workforce is critical to Georgia’s continued economic growth and prosperity,” said Christopher Nunn, Commissioner of the Department of Community Affairs. "We remain committed to helping these communities implement intentional and strategic workforce housing solutions.”

The awarded projects must comply with OneGeorgia Authority requirements while also utilizing other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment towards affordable worker housing access. Funds must be used within two years from the date of award according to state laws and regulations.

The City of Hawkinsville will receive $2,260,505 in OneGeorgia grant funds for road, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements necessary for constructing 58 single-family homes at McCormick Avenue Subdivision. Additional contributions include $70,000 from Hawkinsville and $124,000 from Hive Construction.

In Hinesville, a grant amounting to $1,098,188 will be utilized for street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure aimed at developing 31 detached townhomes under the Court Street Project. The city is providing $591,910 while a developer partner contributes $420,200.

Waynesboro has been awarded $2,496,190 in OneGeorgia funds dedicated to constructing street and utility infrastructure supporting 51 new housing units at St. George Crossing on a 190-acre site. Initial phases include building single-family homes alongside townhomes; subsequent developments plan multi-family units along with retail spaces enabled by this investment.