Gov. Brian Kemp announced the latest round of grant recipients for the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative on Thursday, December 5. The awards, totaling over $5 million, will fund infrastructure projects supporting 140 housing units across three communities. Each recipient showcased strong 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," 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."
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.
Awards
Hawkinsville
The City of Hawkinsville was awarded $2,260,505 in OneGeorgia grant funds to construct road, water, and sewer infrastructure improvements to construct 58 new, single-family housing units within the 220 McCormick Avenue Subdivision. The City of Hawkinsville is contributing $70,000 and Hive Construction is contributing $124,000 to total project costs.
Hinesville
The City of Hinesville received a grant of $1,098,188 to construct street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure to develop 31 detached townhomes within the Court Street Project. The city is contributing $591,910 towards the project and the developer partner is contributing $420,200.
Waynesboro
The City of Waynesboro was awarded $2,496,190 in OneGeorgia funds to construct street, drainage, water, and sewer infrastructure that will allow for the construction of 51 new, housing units in St. George Crossing. The development is on a 190-acre tract. The first phase will allow for the construction of 27 single-family homes and 24 townhomes. Waynesboro will contribute $100,000 towards the project and the developer will contribute $423,810. Future phases of development enabled by this investment will include a multi-family and senior developments, retail, and commercial spaces.