On June 23, U.S. Sen. Rev. Raphael Warnock (D-Ga.) announced that rural Georgia would receive several federal investments from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Rural Development agency, totaling $1,314,000, that will be used to bolster public safety, improve infrastructure and update senior housing.

“Our rural communities are the heart of our state and too often get left behind when it comes to federal funding, so I’m deeply committed to working in Washington to reverse that trend in Georgia,” Warnock said. “I am proud this critical investment will flow to some of our most underserved rural communities because everyone deserves to have a highly functioning police department, smooth roads, and access to affordable senior housing.” These federal investments secured by Warnock for Brantley, Liberty, Hart and Telfair counties are the latest of his efforts to improve the lives of rural Georgia. The senator has previously secured investments to bolster housing, broadband and businesses, as well as $306 million for health care providers for rural Georgia. The following is a breakdown of federal investments from USDA Rural Development.

Liberty County: $100,000

This investment will be used to purchase three utility trucks, two zero-turn mowers, three trimmers, two backpack blowers, a pole pruner, a chain saw, a tractor, a dump truck and an excavator for Walthourville’s Public Service/Road Department. This equipment will replace outdated equipment that has become too dangerous to continue to use.

Hart County: $1,131,000

This investment will be used to assist in the transfer, assumption and rehabilitation of East Orchard Elderly, a senior multi-family housing complex in Hartwell. The project consists of 24 one-bedroom units. All units will go through significant rehabilitation to improve the living conditions for all current and future tenants.

Telfair County: $50,000

This investment will be used to purchase two patrol vehicles for the Telfair County Sheriff ’s Office. The vehicles that currently serve the office are aged and worn, with high mileage. An aging, high-mileage patrol fleet adds to increased maintenance and repair costs. New vehicles will reduce maintenance costs and improve officer safety when on patrol.

Brantley County: $33,000

This investment will be used to purchase two fully equipped patrol vehicles for the Brantley County Sheriff ’s Office. This project will replace older, high-mileage vehicles to help support public safety initiatives.