WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Jack Kingston (R-GA) announced today that Hinesville and Liberty County will be eligible for up to $40 million in economic assistance. The funding, which comes as a result of the efforts of Congressman Kingston and local leaders, is intended to lessen the economic impact of the Pentagon’s reversal on plans to base a fifth brigade combat team at Fort Stewart.
“At the Army’s request, this community spent over $100 million building roads, housing and infrastructure for the new brigade,” said Congressman Kingston. “Then the Army changed its mind. While this funding doesn’t cover the entire shortfall, it helps offset some of the hardship. Liberty and surrounding counties have been good hosts and partners to the military but in this situation, they’ve lost millions.”
The funding will be administered by the Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA), an office within the Department of Defense charged with assisting communities. The OEA is primary source for assisting communities that are adversely impacted by program changes, including base closures or realignments, base expansions, and contract or program cancellations. With the funding, the OEA will offer technical and financial assistance for development projects in order to help diversify the local economy.
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