ATLANTA – State Representative Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons), chair of the House Rural Development Committee, today announces that House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) has charged the committee with examining the impacts of recent pulp and paper mill closures in rural Georgia, including the permanent closure of the Savannah, Georgia, containerboard mill, the Savannah, Georgia, packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill and Riceboro Timber and Lumber. The committee’s upcoming meeting will be dedicated solely to studying these issues and hearing from the public.
The meeting, now referred to as the House Rural Development Committee Summit on the Impact of Pulp and Paper Mill Closures in Rural Georgia, will take place on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. at Engram Hall in Douglas, Georgia.
“The closures of International Paper and Georgia-Pacific mills are a heavy blow to South Georgia families and communities,” said Chairlady Hagan. “Our focus must be on supporting hard-working employees, both those who worked in the mills and those whose jobs depend on them, and ensuring they have new opportunities close to home. The House Rural Development Committee is bringing all stakeholders to the table so we can listen, coordinate resources and take forward-thinking steps to strengthen Georgia’s forestry industry and our rural economy.”
“Forestry has been an established fixture in South Georgia’s economy and communities for generations,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “The recent closure of several timber processing facilities across the region has dealt an unexpected blow to not only our foresters, but to the entire economic fabric of South Georgia. Despite the challenges ahead, the House Rural Development Committee is committed to leaving no stone unturned when it comes to supporting those affected directly by job loss, ensuring the long-term success of Georgia’s forestry Industry and strengthening rural Georgia’s economy.”
The meeting is open to the public and will include an opportunity for public comment.
For more information about the committee meeting and to access the live stream, please click here.
Representative Leesa Hagan represents the citizens of District 156, which includes Montgomery, Toombs and Wheeler counties, as well as portions of Ben Hill, Tattnall and Telfair counties. She was first elected to the House of Representatives in 2021 and currently serves as Chair of the Rural Development Committee. She also serves on the Agriculture and Consumer Affairs, Appropriations Subcommittee on Education, Industry and Labor, Natural Resources and Environment and Transportation committees.
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