The City of Swainsboro receives $2,500,000 Rural Workforce Housing Grant from the OneGeorgia Authority

Governor Brian P. Kemp announced April 17 that the City of Swainsboro received $2,500,000 in OneGeorgia funds for water, sewer, drainage, and road infrastructure improvements for development in the 23-acre Rolling Oaks Subdivision located on Highway 1 North. The 23-acre parcel was purchased from Wounded Warriors Retreat, Inc. by Mincey Goggans Construction in March of 2025.

The initial phase will see 24 units developed, and additional phases will allow for a total of 47 homes in the subdivision. The city is contributing $102,000 towards the project, along with financial commitments from the developer.

“Georgia is experiencing rapid growth in communities across the state, and with that growth comes a need to provide infrastructure for those filling the record-breaking number of jobs to live and work,” said Governor Brian Kemp. “This latest round of grants will ensure the people of Cairo, Hagan, Douglas, Augusta, and Swainsboro can live where they work and promote prosperity for these communities,” said Governor Kemp.

First announced in the governor’s 2023 State of the State Address, the Rural Workforce Housing Initiative continues to be a catalyst for the development of critically needed workforce housing in communities across the state. The Georgia General Assembly approved $35.7 million to start the initiative in the Amended Fiscal Year 2023 budget, a further $50 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024 budget, an additional $6 million for Fiscal Year 2025, and an additional $28 million in the Amended Fiscal Year 2024.

“Housing Georgia’s talented workforce is crucial for the state’s continued economic growth and prosperity,” said Department of Community Affairs Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “The OneGeorgia Authority remains committed to helping communities with a vision implement their intentional workforce housing solutions.”

In addition to meeting OneGeorgia Authority requirements, applicants leveraged other funding sources to demonstrate community commitment to increasing access to affordable housing for workers. The use of funds is subject to all applicable state laws and regulations, as well as to the policies and requirements of the OneGeorgia Authority and the Department of Community Affairs. OneGeorgia funds must be utilized within the timeframe specified in the grant/loan award documentation, which is generally two years from the date of the award.