The Liberty County Head Start project hit another setback Tuesday when all proposals for the new building in Riceboro were rejected at the Liberty County Board of Commissioners meeting. The lowest bid came in $800,000 over budget.

In 2016, the process started to get funds for a new Head Start building in Riceboro after it was determined the old building was subpar. The project got support from the Department of Community Affairs and received a $500,000 grant to build the new facility.

The Coastal Georgia Community Action Authority has since been working to obtain more funding for the project. They are currently seeking funds through the office of Head Start to build the $3.8 million dollar building.

“This has truly been a collaborative effort,” City Manager Kenneth Howard said. “Riceboro is a partner in this project and donated the land.”

Currently the Head Start program is being held at the Jordye Bacon Elementary school at 100 Deen Street in Hinesville.

“The building should have been built already but we have run into some things that have continually pushed the project back,” District 1 Commissioner Marion Stevens said. “I wish the construction of the building could be expedited so the kids could have a permanent home.”