On November 27, State USDA Rural Development Director Quinton Robinson announced the closure of the Baxley Rural Development Area Six Area Office which, has served the Southeast region of Georgia for over three decades. The closure is projected to be complete by Friday, December 7. Area Six operations will continue uninterrupted as the region’s sub-area offices in Statesboro, Blackshear and Douglas will remain open. The USDA Service Center located at 703 East Ward Street, Douglas, Georgia 30533 will be the new Area Office for Area Six.
USDA, through its Rural Development mission area, administers and manages housing, business and community infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees. These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.
President Obama’s plan for rural America has brought about historic investment and resulted in stronger rural communities. Under the President’s leadership, these investments in housing, community facilities, businesses and infrastructure have empowered rural America to continue leading the way – strengthening America’s economy, small towns and rural communities. USDA’s investments in rural communities support the rural way of life that stands as the backbone of our American values. President Obama and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack are committed to a smarter use of Federal resources to foster sustainable economic prosperity and ensure the government is a strong partner for businesses, entrepreneurs and working families in rural communities.