Rural Center Awards $50,000 to City of Sparta to Support Planning for Critical Natural Gas Infrastructure Upgrades in Sparta and Hancock County

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 Prison.

Under the grant, a professional grant writer is pursuing additional federal funding as well as new funding in the state budget specifically aimed to further improve the natural gas lines. Meanwhile, the contracted engineering firm is reviewing existing gas lines and civil drawings to assess the system’s condition and provide recommendations for necessary upgrades.

This grant represents a critical first step in modernizing Sparta’s natural gas infrastructure, ensuring reliable, safe, and efficient service for the community and surrounding areas.

Sparta is a historic rural community located in Hancock County in the heart of the state. Founded in the early 1800s, Sparta serves as the county seat and has long been an important center for agriculture, local government, and small-town commerce in the region. The city is known for its rich history, strong sense of community, and its role in supporting the surrounding agricultural economy. Today, Sparta continues to focus on preserving its heritage while working to strengthen infrastructure, support economic development, and improve quality of life for residents and businesses.

“As the State Representative for the City of Sparta, I want to extend my sincere gratitude to the Rural Center for the work that they do in our rural communities. I have had the opportunity during my career to work on several projects with the Rural Center.  Thank you to the Rural Center for your great work for the City of Sparta,” said State Representative Mack Jackson. 

“Our timing was fortuitous when we approached the City last fall and learned about the condition of the natural gas lines that serve not only the City but surrounding areas in Hancock County. The City's current natural gas lines are in desperate need for upgrades, and we were honored to have the chance to assist the City of Sparta with the system enhancements in the near future. The public works personnel and the mayor were a pleasure to work with, and we at the Rural Center found Amanda, Bobby, and Mayor Haywood to be very focused on ensuring that these important upgrades are incorporated into the City's infrastructure," said Charlie Fiveash, Executive Director of Georgia’s Rural Center. 

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.

Charlie Fiveash (left), Executive Director of Georgia’s Rural Center presents a check in the amount of $50,000 to Mayor Heywood (center) and city public works officials, Amanda Akins (far right) & Bobby Gunter (second from right). Also pictured are representatives from the city's engineering and grant writing firms.