ATLANTA (Dec. 10, 2009) – State Senator Jim Butterworth (R-Clarkesville) and Representative Michael Harden (R-Toccoa) congratulate the Toccoa-Stephens County Airport Authority on receiving a OneGeorgia Authority grant of $500,000. The airport authority received the grant for displaying a commitment to overcoming economic challenges in poor and rural parts of Georgia.
“I would like to congratulate these organizations on their awards and thank OneGeorgia for their desire to see Northeast Georgia grow and prosper. As we continue to win grants for Northeast Georgia, we know that our communities will be the true winners,” said Sen. Butterworth. “Equity awards will help clear a path to economic success and create a better Georgia for future generations. Working to ensure these dollars keep flowing to our district is extremely important.”
“I would like to extend my congratulations to John Taylor and everyone at the airport authority for their hard work and dedication in working toward this grant,” said Rep. Harden. “It is incredibly exciting that even during economic times like these, we see continued commitment to growth and development.”
Equally important are the awards for the Hart County Water and Sewer Utility Authority and the Clayton-Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority. Both grant awards are in the amount of $300,000.
The OneGeorgia Equity Program is a resource for counties in need of funding to pursue development. The ultimate goal is job growth by promoting the “health, welfare, safety, and economic security” of poor communities in Georgia. The Toccoa-Stephens County Airport Authority, Hart County Water and Sewer Utility Authority and the Clayton-Rabun County Water and Sewer Authority each completed a thorough application process with OneGeorgia. It is a requirement of the application process to prove that you have attempted to get funding from Georgia Emergency Management Agency, United States Department of Agriculture and/or the Department of Transportation.
“We are only as strong as our weakest part. It is imperative that we promote growth throughout Georgia not just the metro areas,” added Butterworth
The OneGeorgia Authority was established in 2000 by the Georgia General Assembly to help bridge the economic divide in Georgia. Original funding for the program came from one-third of the state’s tobacco settlement money for development projects throughout rural communities. Projects funded by OneGeorgia include land acquisition, infrastructure development, airport enhancements, broadband creation for Internet access, machinery purchases, business relocation assistance and entrepreneur support.
Pictured above (from left): Cam Parker, Stephens County Development Authority; Bob Troup, City of Toccoa; Representative Michael Harden; Harold Andrews, Stephens County Commission; Senator Jim Butterworth; Dean Scarborough, Stephens County Commission; David Austin, City of Toccoa; A.J. Pavliscsak, City of Toccoa.
Sen. Jim Butterworth represents the 50th Senate District which includes Towns, Rabun, Habersham, Stephens, Banks, Franklin, and Hart counties along with a portion of White County. He can be reached by phone at 404.463.5257 or by email at jim.butterworth@senate.ga.gov.
Representative Michael Harden represents the citizens of District 28, which includes Banks and Stephens Counties, and portions of Franklin County. He was elected into the House of Representatives in 2008, and currently serves on the Children & Youth, Agriculture, Higher Education, and Motor Vehicles Committees. He can be reached by phone at 706-599-6028 or by email at michael.harden@house.ga.gov.
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
December, 10, 2009
For Information Contact:
Natalie Strong, Deputy Director
Katie Wright, Communications Associate
katie.wright@senate.ga.gov
404.656.0028