FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 31, 2026 Sparta, GA - The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and known as Georgia’s Rural Center, has approved a $50,000 grant for the City of Sparta to fund engineering services and grant writing aimed at upgrading and repairing its aging natural gas infrastructure. The system serves residents and businesses in Sparta, as well as portions of Hancock County, including Hancock County State

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 25, 2026 Ocilla, GA - The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and known as Georgia’s Rural Center, has approved a $22,500 grant to the Ocilla-Irwin County Industrial Development Authority. This grant will fund the development of a website. The Ocilla-Irwin Industrial Development Authority focuses on three core pillars: strengthening the workforce, expanding critical infrastructure, and cre

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 18, 2026 Eastman, GA - The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and known as Georgia’s Rural Center, has approved a $142,000 grant to Dodge County Hospital. This grant will implement critical technology infrastructure upgrades to strengthen communication systems, enhance connectivity, and improve the delivery of patient care. Dodge County Hospital is a 94-bed hospital located in Eastman, Ge

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 2, 2026 Fitzgerald, GA - The Center for Rural Prosperity and Innovation, a branch of the Georgia Department of Agriculture and known as Georgia’s Rural Center, has approved a $126,000 grant to purchase a new ultrasound machine for Dorminy Medical Center. Dorminy Medical Center, located in Fitzgerald in Ben Hill County, serves a community of more than 17,000 residents and has been a cornerstone of local healthcare since 1974. A licensed 75-bed ac