City gets $500,000 Grant

The City of Hazlehurst is the newest recipient of OneGeorgia (OGA) Equity funding from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
The city will receive $500,000 for water infrastructure improvements to create approximately 20 jobs. The OGA Equity Fund provides financial assistance to rural communities to help build capacity and the necessary infrastructure for economic development. The program is designed to serve as a flexible community and economic development tool, providing grants and loans for eligible projects in rural Georgia. OneGeorgia programs are administered by DCA. The City of Hazlehurst will use the Equity funds to extend water lines to serve several industries outside the city limits off on Hwy. 341. This project proposes to extend water lines to better serve the needs of the industries, provide better fire protection, and lower ISO ratings. The proposed water improvements will provide the essential infrastructure that is needed for local industries so company expansions can occur. The City of Hazlehurst is partnering with the Joint Development Authority of Jeff Davis County, Hazlehurst, and Denton as well as Beasley Group on this project. Beasley Group is the owner of Thompson Hardwoods, which is planning a $60-70 million expansion that would increase their employment by 25 individuals. “DCA is committed to bolstering local economies through partnerships and resources, and the utilization of OneGeorgia for these projects illustrates the initiative of the leaders in these communities,” DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn said. “Building strong communities through business development and job creation has incredible, lasting benefits for our state.” For more information about the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs, visit dca.ga.gov.