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Community Programs "In The News"

Rural Development celebrates ribbon cutting with Golden Harvest     

( November 21, 2003 ) – USDA-Rural Development and Golden Harvest Food Bank, Inc., 
celebrated the completion of a warehouse improvement project with a ribbon cutting and facility 
tour.  The project, which cost over $1 million, was funded by a Rural Development loan.

The loan for $1,227,915 was made to construct a 17,000 sq. ft. addition and make improvements 
to the existing distribution center. Improvements included renovation of the office space, conference 
room, shopping area and staging area. A new cooler/freezer was added with approximately 
68,000 cu. ft. capacity.

Golden Harvest serves 18 counties in Georgia and 6 counties in South Carolina . Many are in the 
poorest areas of both states. The organization's mission is to fight hunger in its service area by supplying 
food pantries in local communities, on-site distribution centers, soup kitchens, children's shelters, and 
senior citizen programs.  They currently supply over 8 million pounds of food per year to those living in 
poverty.

"Many Georgia families benefit from the Golden Harvest Food Bank," said F. Stone Workman, state 
director of USDA-Rural Development. "When hard times hit, Golden Harvest is there to help. We’re 
happy to be able to partner in this enterprise.”

The loan is repayable at 4.75% interest over 30 years. Richmond County designated $112,000 from 
block grant funds and Kraft Foods, Inc. contributed $60,000 in grant funds.

RD celebrates ribbon cutting at The Millennium Center

( November 6, 2003 , Cuthbert) –  The official grand opening of The Millennium Center for Family 
Development, a unique facility for women with substance abuse problems and their families, was 
celebrated today by a consortium of agencies that made it possible.

“This is a tremendous achievement and a testament to what partnerships can achieve,” said 
Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development, one of the agencies providing project 
funds. “This facility is meeting a critical community need and we are already seeing the results.”

The Millennium Center is part of a 20-acre campus in Randolph County that provides substance 
abuse treatment and much more to 20 women and their families.  It is the only 
facility in the United States that allows the women to bring their spouse or life 
partner and children to live on site during treatment. The campus includes 
playgrounds, picnic areas and walking trails located in a secure, monitored 
environment with 24-hour staffing.

In addition to substance abuse treatment, Millennium Center also provides for GED completion or 
job skills training. Albany Technical College is putting final details on their new building, which should 
be finished by the end of the year. Women also receive classes in parenting, nutrition, anger management, 
and other critical skills.  The women have begun participating in Oprah Winfrey’s book-of-the-month 
program.

Up to 100 children stay in “First Steps,” a state-of-the-art child care facility. First 
Steps currently has about 28 children and is open to the community.  USDA-Rural 
Development provided funds for construction of the child care facility and administration building.

Southwest Georgia Housing Development Corporation, the owner and developer of
Millennium Center, was formed in 1997 by the housing authorities in Cuthbert, Shellman, Arlington, and
Fort Gaines. The area encompasses six counties and serves 27,700 residents. This area has half the per 
capita income when compared to the state average.

RD celebrates ribbon cutting at The Willows

( November 6, 2003 ) – USDA-Rural Development and Southwest Georgia Housing Development 
Corporation celebrated the grand opening of The Willows of Cuthbert with a ribbon cutting and facility 
tour.  The Willows is a dual facility consisting of The Veranda, a personal care home, and The Arbor, 
an Alzheimer’s facility. The project, which cost $3,152,600, was funded by Rural 
Development loans.

“This is an outstanding new community resource that meets a serious need,” said Stone Workman, 
state director of USDA-Rural Development. “Residents of this community now have a safe place 
for elderly residents with special needs.”

The building is 25,649 sq. ft. The personal care area includes 18 one-bedroom units and 2 
two-bedroom units. Each unit includes a living room with kitchenette, bedroom, walk-in closet and 
bathroom. All are handicapped accessible and have exterior windows. The common area includes a 
living room, kitchen, dining room, activity area,  and an administrative staff area.  

The Alzheimer’s wing has 20 one-bedroom units with separate activity and dining areas. A central 
nursing station is present. Each unit consists of a combination living room/bedroom, closet storage, 
and bath. All are handicapped accessible and have exterior windows.

Amenities include three full meals a day and snacks. Facilities are staffed 24 hours a day, seven 
days a week and are located on six acres in Randolph County, about two miles east of Cuthbert 
on Highway 82.

Rural Development financing included a direct loan for $2,552,600 and a guaranteed loan for 
$600,000. The   guaranteed loan was through First State Bank of Randolph County which 
received special funding through the Federal Home Loan 
Bank of Atlanta.

Southwest Georgia Housing Development Corporation was formed in 1997 by the housing authorities in 
Cuthbert, Shellman, Arlington, and Fort Gaines. The area encompasses six counties and serves 27,700 
residents. This area has twice the percentage of elderly and half the per capita income when compared to 
state averages.

(June 6, 2003) F. Stone Workman, State Director of USDA - Rural Development, participated in a 
dedication ceremony today celebrate the completion of the City of West Point’s water improvement project.

The improvements serve almost 2,000 families. USDA-Rural Development provided loan and grant funds 
totaling $6,334,700. Harris County contributed $600,000.

$20 million in rural broadband technology grants announced

May 16, 2003 – Stone Workman, state director for USDA Rural Development in Georgia today 
announced the selection of the first broadband community grants to be awarded in Georgia by the 
U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The announcement is part of a nationwide announcement 
that includes $20 million in grants with over $6.8 million benefiting 10 Native American and Native 
Alaskan communities. Through these grants, the communities will be able to participate and take 
advantage of the high-speed telecommunications tools needed to be a part of the global digital community.

In Georgia these grants will provide broadband access to two rural areas. AL-CALL, a subsidiary of Alma 
Telephone, is receiving a grant for $391,556 to provide access to Screven in Wayne County. The Screven 
project will include space for a community center in Screven City hall, where all citizens can access the 
Internet for free. Students will have access for doing research for homework, preparing for scholastic tests, 
and for online courses. Seniors will also have this as a resource. Glenwood Telephone Company is receiving 
a grant for $277,819 to provide access to Glenwood, which has a population of 883. Funds will be used 
to purchase equipment to interface with the Glenwood Telephone Company's digital switching system to 
provide the basis of DSL service. A, 1,088 sq. ft. modular building will be purchased for the public to 
use as a community center. Free broadband services will be provided to the fire department, the Wheeler 
County Hospital and the Tri-County Alternative Public School for two years.

(April 21, 2003) Two ceremonial big checks totaling $2,848,000 for water and sewer system improvements 
were presented today by F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development, to 
Kendrick G. Smith, mayor of Hamilton.

Improvements to the water system include construction of approximately 19,300 linear feet of 6" PVC 
water line, a 250,000 gallon elevated storage tank and development of a raw water well. Improvements 
will replace old cement asbestos and galvanized pipe. Several dead end lines will be removed, improving 
water pressure for fire protection.

(April 11, 2003 - Byron) A ribbon cutting and open house to celebrate the Grand Opening of Villa Rose, 
a 24-bed assisted livingfacility owned by Southern Prime Care, Inc., took place from 2:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. 
This new facility represents a $1,768,900 investment. Southern Prime Care, Inc., is a non-profit 
organization incorporated in 1999.  

March 10, 2003.  F. Stone Workman, State Director of USDA-Rural Development presented to 
Merrill Clark, chairman of the Jasper County Water and Sewer Authority, a Big Check of $3,946,770 
to extend water service to 400 new users in the northwest section of Jasper County.  Water improvements 
include approximately 140,000 feet of water mains. No storage or pumping facility is proposed. The 
Authority will purchase water from Newton County, as well as using Newton County's storage capacity. 
Due to recent droughts, many of the individual wells are experiencing problems and the individual septic 
tanks along the Jackson Lake are creating potential health problems.

Funds for water infrastructure include a loan of $2,246,770 at an interest rate of 4.75 percent and repayable 
over 40 years and a grant of $1,700,000.

October 4, 2001, Kingsland, GA – A ceremonial big check for $646,000 was presented today by 
F. Stone Workman, state director of USDA-Rural Development, to Mayor Keith Dixon to construct 
a fire station.

The area around exit #3 on Interstate Highway 95 is growing, and  the fire station will provide protection 
to this area, which includes a  new middle school and a new housing development. The new building will 
be approximately 6,800 sq. ft. and consist of three  bays for fire trucks, handicapped accessible restrooms, 
living facilities for the firefighters and administrative space.

(Darrien, GA July 13, 2001) -- USDA-Rural Development is providing an additional grant for $35,000 
to assist Sams Memorial Community Economic Development, Inc., complete renovation of a gymnasium 
for a daycare program and other community services. Rural Development previously funded a loan for  
$147,500 and grants totaling $70,000.

Darrien has a population of 1,783 and a median household income of $19,032. This project is the only 
one that will serve the after school needs of low to moderate income children. Sams Memorial also 
provides summer educational and  recreational programs for 100-150 children. In addition to funding 
cost overruns, the additional $35,000 grant will provide computer equipment to be used in the after 
school program.

The original project took a gymnasium from an old private school and adapted it for use in Sams after 
school program, office space for their administrative staff and to provide a community center. They 
used the basketball court to build classroom and office space on both sides of the court. The gymnasium
lobby was converted into a smaller conference  room with a stage. The project was first reduced in scope 
to include only one floor of office and classroom space and only  the lobby area was to be heated and 
air conditioned. Later, it was decided to add air conditioning to the back office and classroom space. 
This resulted in a cost overrun

Lyons, GA (July 13, 2001) -- USDA-Rural Development is loaning the City of Lyons $2 million for 
extension of the water and sewage systems to the Industrial Park located on U.S. Hwy. 1 and State Route 
130 (Loop Road).  State Director F. Stone Workman presented a ceremonial big check to officials today 
to commemorate the event.

Improvements to the sewage system include installation of a pump station at Swift Creek and replacement 
of a pump station at East Wastewater Treatment plant. Water system improvements include new lines to 
the Industrial Park, a 1,000 gallons per minute deep well and a 250,000 gallon water tank.

The sewer improvements will include upgrade of the sprayfield system and oxidation ponds, installation 
of 50,800 linear feet of sewer collection lines and installation of 4 sewerage pump stations.  This will enhance 
the city's existing sewer treatment facility, which consists of a sprayfield and 3 oxidation ponds.

 In addition to USDA funding, $600,000 has been provided by the City of Senoia. The new sewage 
system is expected to serve 730 residences and 2 businesses in Senioa.

Dooly County Industrial Development Authority received a grant of $64,720 to develop a railroad 
crossing at Vienna Industrial Park South.  The area has heavy traffic and a number of safety hazards which 
have resulted in several accidents.

The new road would cross CSX Railroad and tie perpendicularly into Old Cordele Road. The road is 
approximately 1,350 feet long. A new grade crossing with signal bells, lights and gates is proposed to cross 
the CSX tracks. Drainage structures and signage is also provided.

Rural Development funds will cover 67% of the eligible project costs. The County is providing funds for 
site preparation and the City is providing funds for the land and site preparation. The DOT has provided 
funds for the road development up to the point of the railroad crossing.

Lincoln County received funds for the expansion of its existing water system. Funds are also being 
used to purchase 1.0 million gallons per day (mgd) capacity in the City of Lincolnton's water treatment 
plant. 

The City of Lincolnton is simultaneously receiving funds from to expand its water treatment plant to a 
2.0 mgd capacity facilty, of which the county will provide approximately half of the funding for this program.

The project will extend water lines into three new areas of the county: Soap Creek; Montigo Bay 
Subdivisions; Chamberlains Ferry Rd./Lower Maximum Road area; and Bethany Church Rd./Ponderosa 
Subdivision. A 300,000 gallon elevated storage tank will be added in the Chamberlains Road area. 
Improvements are expected to meet demands until the year 2010 or longer. The new system will serve 
an additional 400 customers in the east central part of Lincoln County.  Fire protection will also be 
provided at the rate of 500 gallons per minute.  Funding includes a loan of $1,588,000 and a grant 
of $4,420,000.

Lyerly receives Big Check for sewage system

The mayor of Lyerly accepted a ceremonial Big Check from F. Stone Workman on April 26 for a 
sewage system. About 50 people attended the event

ARC projects under construction

Etowah Water & Sewer Authority (above photos) received $300,000 to add to their own contribution 
to construct a 250,000 storage tank along the Dawson/Lumpkin County line and to increase the 
existing water capacity from 1.5 mgd to 3 mgd. Two new industries were planning to relocate to 
the area, and more are expected with the improvements!

The line was put in to supply Gold Creek, an upscale residential community complete with golf course 
and other amenities.  Etowah is one of the fastest growing communities in the US. 

The City of Dawsonville (photos below) received an ARC grant for $122,400 to erect a 250,000 
gallon storage tank and to connect it to the existing water line.  The increased storage capacity and 
line sizes are expected to improve downtown  service, as well as along Perimeter Road and Allen 
Street.  The Allen Street line will serve Thunder Road USA, an interactive museum dedicated to 
automobile racing in Georgia. The museum is scheduled to open in late summer of 2001.
 

This water/sewer project in Glennville is under construction.  Rural Development's contribution in 
this project totaled $1.15 million.  More than 1,600 users are expected to benefit from these 
system enhancements.

August 8, 2000.  Work is progressing on a new child care and medical clinic located in 
Reynolds, Georgia.  This facility, consisting of 7,207 sq. ft., will provide a much needed service 
to this area of central Georgia.  The child care center will provide care for 50 children between the 
ages of 6 weeks and 4 years old.  The facility will also have a 2,260 sq. ft. fenced playground.  
All facilities will be handicapped accessible.  The medical clinic will provide minor surgeries, 
preventative care, health screenings and other medical procedures that can be done on an 
out-patient basis.

Bill Perry, Rural Development Engineer, and Veronica Wells, RDS, are shown inspecting the work.

July 17, 2000.  A ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening of the Light of the World Day 
Care Center was celebrated Monday, July 17 at 8:30 a.m. in Walthourville.  This new community 
facility will provide daycare for 80 -100 children and will serve a significant number of minority 
families.   State Director Laura Meadows and Representative Jack Kingston (second from right) 
are shown "cutting the cermonial ribbon."  A $621,900 loan and $75,000 grant, made under the 
CF program, made this day possible.
  

Two water projects were celebrated Monday, July 10, 2000, with big check presentations in 
Hancock County and in Bald Mountain Park (Water 2000 project).  The State Director met 
with a roomful of excited citizens in the Court House in Sparta at 8:30 a.m. Friday morning to 
present a big check for $1,396,000 to expand existing water service to the east and southeast 
of Sparta.  The existing system and improvements will potentially serve 445 families and 7 businesses. 

At 1 p.m., a big check for $1,230,900 was presented to the Towns County Water and Sewerage 
Authority to purchase and  improve a water system.  The improvements will potentially serve 350 
families in Bald Mountain Creek.  Over 150 people attended the event. 

July 7, 2000.  Congressman Nathan Deal was the special guest at the grand opening ceremony 
for the Greater Hall County Health Center on Friday,   This project is being funded by a combination 
Direct and Guaranteed Community Facility loan totaling $1,024,271.  Funds will pay for building 
renovation and some medical equipment.

The Center will provide a wide range of care including child wellness, minor emergency care and 
Adult Primary Care.  A federal grant through Health and Human Services will supplement patient 
fees.  Additional funds are generated by state grants, as well as support from local hospitals, 
agencies and businesses.  No one is refused services due to inability to pay.

On March 12, 2000, a check presentation was made in Roberta, Georgia, to announce the 
approval of a $3,916,500 loan and grant to Crawford County.  These funds will be used to 
improve the water system of the county.  Approximately 50 people were in attendance including 
representatives from Senator Cleland and Coverdale's offices.

On December 20, 1999, a groundbreaking and check presentation was held in Towns County 
for the expansion of the water system into southeastern Hiawasee.  The $2,806,000 loan and 
grant will allow 250 residents and 1 commercial user to have a safe and dependable source of 
drinking water.

Please send any comments or suggestions to:   craig.scroggs@ga.usda.gov

Last Updated : December 10, 2003