$15 MILLION

State budget doubles size of UNG Blue Ridge

  • David Ralston, District 7 representative and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, announces $13 million is included in the state’s 2023 budget to expand the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. To his right is UNG President Bonita Jacobs and in the background is Governor Brian Kemp.
    David Ralston, District 7 representative and Speaker of the Georgia House of Representatives, announces $13 million is included in the state’s 2023 budget to expand the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. To his right is UNG President Bonita Jacobs and in the background is Governor Brian Kemp.
  • Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, seated, signed the state’s 2023 budget during a special ceremony Thursday, May 12, on the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. Behind Kemp are District 7 Representative and Speaker of the House David Ralston and his wife, Sheree Ralston, Fannin County economic development director.
    Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, seated, signed the state’s 2023 budget during a special ceremony Thursday, May 12, on the University of North Georgia Blue Ridge campus. Behind Kemp are District 7 Representative and Speaker of the House David Ralston and his wife, Sheree Ralston, Fannin County economic development director.

    Georgia Governor Brian Kemp promised $13 million to expand the University of North Georgia (UNG) Blue Ridge campus when he signed the state’s 2023 budget at the school last week.

    Combined with $2 million pledged in the 2022 budget, a total of $15 million is designated for UNG Blue Ridge.

    The monies “will more than double the size of this fast growing school,” District 7 representative and Speaker of the House David Ralston said.

    Ralston addressed a crowd gathered Thursday to announce the funding during the signing ceremony.

    Ralston said, “From its beginning in 2015 UNG Blue  Ridge has been about one thing, opportunity.”

    Ralston noted the UNG investment, plus the state’s $2.6 million investment in a new Fannin County library, brings to $17.6 million Georgia is investing in the college campus and library.

    He said this was evidence of the commitment of legislators and the governor to “invest strongly in the needs  of a growing, thriving state.”

    At the same time, he said the state budget stays lean, providing as much money as possible back to taxpayers. Kemp pointed out that over $1 billion was put back into taxpayers’ pockets and the gas tax was temporarily suspended to help citizens with their personal economic battles.

    Kemp commended both Ralston and Lieutenant Governor Geoff Duncan as “great partners” in guiding Georgia.

    Reviewing budget highlights, Kemp pointed to major investments in public safety, education and health care.

    The governor also looked back over the last two years. “We made the tough decisions when it mattered most to our people.” He specifically mentioned opening the state when the rest of the country remained closed during the COVID-19 pandemic.

    “Governor Kemp bears an immense weight as he serves the needs of this state and its citizens,” Ralston said.