Georgia 4-H

Construction Ready Projects

4-H operates five University of Georgia 4-H Centers. These Centers serve more than 100,000 users on an annual basis. Less than fifteen percent of the operating budget for the Centers is derived from public funding. The Centers serve as a resource to enhance the educational and youth development efforts of the system. 4-H, as part of the Georgia public educational system is incredibly and historically effective in educating young people. In addition to being an educational resource, the Centers generate revenue used for operating expenses and salaries for faculty and staff working statewide with 4-H.

We have identified $10,200,000 in construction ready projects at the Centers.  If funded these projects would employ 87 people for one year. This would include $4,896,000 to be used to purchase building materials stimulating the local economies.  Listed below are the projects and the impact that they would have on each location.  We could begin work on these projects within 120 days of funds being made available. The projects are:

1)     Replacement of 15 cabins at Rock Eagle 4-H Center (Putnam County). A prototype cottage was opened in June 2006. The staff has worked with the architectural firm to modify the plans based on usage needs. The 4-H Foundation has secured private funding for 5 additional cabins. Replacement construction of 15 cabins could be accomplished within 18 months and begin once funds are available. Total: MR&R work for 15 cabins will cost $7,500,000.00, employ 64 people for one year and includes the purchase of $3,600,000 in materials.

2)     Wahsega 4-H Center (Lumpkin County) has long been a favorite destination of 4-H’ers and has been operated by 4-H since 1937.  Wahsega is not handicap accessible and the cabins are not winterized. The facility can only be used seven months during the year. 4-H has plans to add restroom space to 14 cabins, make the cabins handicap accessible and winterize the cabins. Total: MR&R construction of 14 ADA restrooms at Wahsega will cost $1,500,000 and employ the equivalent of 13 people for one year and includes the purchase of $720,000 in building materials.

3)     Construction of two staff dormitories at Jekyll Island 4-H Center (Glynn County). Construction of these facilities would allow the Center to accommodate more students in both the school year 4-H Environmental Education program and the summer camping program. Construction of 2 staff dorms will cost $1,200,000.00, employ 10 people for one year and includes the purchase of $576,000 in materials.

These projects at the 4-H Centers would greatly enhance Georgia 4-H’s ability to continue to serve the citizens of Georgia. The construction on these projects could begin within 120 days of funding being made available.

2/4/2009