ICYMI: $302,000 Awarded to Support Rural Communities Across Georgia

TIFTON, GA – In case you missed it, last month the Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture known as Georgia’s Rural Center, approved five grants totaling $302,000 to support projects in Echols County, Stewart County, City of Chickamauga, City of McCaysville, and Irwin County. These grants will fund initiatives focused on youth agriculture, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and redevelopment, helping address critical local needs while strengthening economies and creating a lasting impact in rural communities across the state.

“Through targeted investments, Georgia’s Rural Center is helping communities address critical local needs, strengthen their economies, enhance quality of life, and expand resources that will create lasting benefits for generations to come,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “Our team is working each and every day to make strategic investments that ensure rural communities across our state get the support they need to grow and thrive.”

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

Stewart County Housing Study
Stewart County received a $20,000 grant for a housing study that will complement its participation in the Georgia Initiative for Community Housing program by assessing current housing needs and help position the county to provide attainable housing options.

Chickamauga Site Redevelopment Study
In Chickamauga, GA a $40,000 grant was given to fund a redevelopment study that will evaluate 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 of McCaysville received $67,000 to fund the replacement of two aging water filtration systems that are critical to maintaining a safe and reliable water supply for residents and businesses.

Irwin County Hospital Equipment
Irwin County Hospital and Palemon Gaskins Nursing Home were granted $75,000 to fund the replacement of outdated and failing kitchen equipment that impacts their ability to provide quality meals to residents, patients, and staff.