Georgia’s Rural Center Approves Funding for Key Rural Development Projects

Tifton, 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 five grants totaling $302,000. Georgia’s Rural Center is supporting several rural Georgia communities through targeted investments in youth agriculture, housing, healthcare, infrastructure, and redevelopment projects aimed at strengthening local economies, improving quality of life, and expanding long-term community resources.

“Through Georgia’s Rural Center, we are making strategic investments to ensure Rural communities across our state have the support they need to succeed and are well-positioned to compete for new jobs and opportunity,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tyler J Harper. “These targeted investments in education, healthcare, housing, and workforce development will have a significant, positive impact, and we look forward to continuing to make investments in the success of communities throughout Rural Georgia.”

“The team at Georgia’s Rural Center is proud of the impact these grants will have on rural Georgia. The Rural Center, in conjunction with the Georgia Department of Agriculture, is excited to see how this grant funding will positively influence the communities selected for the grant awards. We look forward to pursuing future grant opportunities in rural Georgia in FY 2027,” said Charlie Fiveash, Executive Director of Georgia’s Rural Center. 

These projects are each designed to address critical needs and create lasting impact in rural communities across the state.

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. 

About Georgia’s Rural Center:

To date, Georgia’s Rural Center projects have resulted in a total investment in rural Georgia of more than $408 million, with $3 million of center funds, which is a 132:1 return ratio against CRPI funds. Since its inception in 2018, the work of Georgia’s Rural Center has touched all 159 of Georgia’s metro, suburban, and rural communities through regional and statewide projects, and directly impacted 83 counties through projects needed in rural communities to help them prosper and thrive.