ATLANTA – Three Georgia communities will receive $6.5 million in grants, the latest round of funding through the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative Gov. Brian Kemp launched more than two years ago.
The money will go toward infrastructure improvements needed to service new housing.
“Every Georgian deserves to be able to live in the community where they work,” Kemp said Wednesday. “Today’s announcement is just the latest reminder of our commitment to that idea.”
The cities of Leesburg and Greensboro each will receive $2.5 million for water, sewer, drainage and road improvements.
The Leesburg project will support the 66-unit first phase of development of a new subdivision on 130 acres. Greensboro will put its grant toward the first phase of a development of 32 homes on a 63-acre site.
The third grant announced on Wednesday – $1.5 million – will help the Joint Development Authority of Gilmer County and the cities of Ellijay and East Ellijay finance infrastructure improvements that will enable the construction of 30 townhomes on 3 acres. The various cities and developers also will contribute financing toward the projects.
After Kemp unveiled the initiative during his 2023 State of the State address, the General Assembly approved $35.7 million in startup funding. Later, lawmakers earmarked another $28 million for the program.
“Through this important initiative, the OneGeorgia Authority continues to come alongside communities committed to growth and opportunity for their citizens,” said Christopher Nunn, commissioner of the state Department of Community Affairs. “These communities have shown strong partnership and initiative, and we are proud to continue to help them achieve their vision of a prosperous future.”