State Representative Leesa Hagan (R-Lyons), who chairs the House Rural Development Committee, announced that House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) has tasked the committee with investigating the effects of recent pulp and paper mill closures in rural Georgia. The facilities affected include the permanent closure of the Savannah containerboard mill, Savannah packaging facility, Riceboro containerboard mill, and Riceboro Timber and Lumber.
The committee will hold a meeting dedicated to these issues on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, at Engram Hall in Douglas. The event is being called the House Rural Development Committee Summit on the Impact of Pulp and Paper Mill Closures in Rural Georgia.
Chairlady Hagan stated: “The closures of International Paper and Georgia-Pacific mills are a heavy blow to South Georgia families and communities. 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.”
Speaker Jon Burns added: “Forestry has been an established fixture in South Georgia’s economy and communities for generations. 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 will be open for public comment. More information about attending or accessing a live stream can be found through available committee resources.
Burns has served as a Republican representative for Georgia’s 159th House District since his election in 2005 after replacing Ray Holland.
