(The Center Square) — Georgia’s governor has doled out another $9 million in taxpayer money for new housing in four places across the Peach State.
According to a news release, the money, part of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative, will support more than 400 housing units. Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, announced the initiative in his 2023 State of the State address, and lawmakers included $35.7 million for it in the amended 2023 fiscal budget.
“This latest round of grants will help four more communities provide the needed infrastructure to meet demand as even more opportunity comes to rural parts of our state,” Kemp said in an announcement. “Georgians deserve to be able to live in the same communities where they work, and this program is helping to make sure they can.”
As part of the latest tranche of funding, the state awarded Alma nearly $2.5 million, Vidalia $2.5 million, the Dalton-Whitfield County Joint Development Authority $1.5 million and the Development Authority of Donalsonville and Seminole County $2.5 million. The money will support various infrastructure initiatives, including water, sewer and street improvements.
The latest funding follows a September announcement when state officials awarded nearly $8.4 million in grants as part of the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative. Kemp is poised to give his 2024 State of the State address on Thursday to a joint session of the Georgia General Assembly.