ATLANTA (June 9, 2014) | During the legislative session, Governor Nathan Deal announced plans for the Amended Fiscal Year 2014 budget to incorporate $25.6 million for Forestland Protection Grant reimbursements including $14.5 for school systems. “These reimbursements provide an opportunity to maintain and build infrastructure to continue the economic growth of middle Georgia,” said Sen. Burt Jones. “By implementing these funds into our educational systems, we are striving toward providing the best learning environment for our students and teachers.”
These grants provide local governments with funds necessary to maintain key local services and quality schools while also preserving the state’s crucial natural resources. According to the Georgia Department of Revenue, counties within District 25 will receive the following total reimbursements from the Forestland Protection Act Grant reimbursements:
- Baldwin: $101,545
- Bibb: $1,604
- Butts: $98,177
- Greene: $407,522
- Jasper: $895,148
- Jones: $659,618
- Morgan: $1,626,234
- Putnam: $222,017
- Walton: $39,967
The grants are paid based on the difference between the forest land fair market value and the forest land conservation use value. The Georgia Forest Land Protection Act Of 2008 provided for an ad valorem tax exemption for property primarily used for the good faith subsistence or commercial production of trees, timber, or other wood and wood fiber products and excludes the entire value of any residence located on the property.
For Immediate Release:
June 9, 2014
For Information Contact:
Jennifer Yarber, Director
Emily Williams, Communications Associate
Emily.williams@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028