ATLANTA — Sen. George Hooks, D-Americus, this week was reappointed to the OneGeorgia Authority Overview Committee by Lt. Governor Casey Cagle. Hooks is the only member to serve on the committee since its inception nine years ago, which was established to financially assist the state’s most economically challenged areas.

“The partnership between OneGeorgia and rural counties across the state is more important now than ever before. Today’s economy presents a myriad of challenges to rural communities, many of which may not have the economic infrastructure to see them through such a severe downturn,” said Hooks. “I am a strong advocate for supporting our rural counties, and I look forward to continuing my service on the committee to ensure that these areas receive the tools they need to grow.”

Nearly $30 million has been awarded to the 12 counties in Hooks’ district since 2000. This has resulted in the creation of over 4,500 jobs throughout the district, and over $170 million invested in projects across the area.

“The investments made by OneGeorgia and the jobs that are created as a result have a huge impact in positioning our state to emerge from this recession as the economic engine of the South,” Hooks added.

The OneGeorgia Authority was established in 2000 by the Georgia General Assembly to help bridge the economic divide in Georgia using one-third of the state’s tobacco settlement money for development projects throughout rural communities. Some of the projects funded by OneGeorgia include land acquisition, infrastructure development, airport enhancements, broadband creation for Internet access, machinery purchases, business relocation assistance and entrepreneur support.

The Oversight Committee is made up of four Georgia state legislators. Hooks will serve alongside his colleagues Sen. Greg Goggans, R-Douglas; Rep. Ed Rynders , R-Albany, who serves as chairman; and Rep. Butch Parrish, R-Swainsboro.