DEMOREST, Ga. — Piedmont University will receive $608,000 in federal funding to expand its forensic science program, part of a broader package of investments announced by Jon Ossoff for Habersham County.
The funding, secured through congressionally directed spending in the fiscal year 2026 budget, is aimed at strengthening workforce development and addressing shortages in specialized fields, according to Ossoff’s office.
Piedmont officials said the funding will be used to purchase field investigation equipment, laboratory instruments and other materials to better prepare students for careers in forensic science. The investment will also expand access to coursework for law enforcement personnel, broadening training opportunities.
“We are deeply grateful for Sen. Ossoff’s unwavering support and commitment to advancing education and meeting workforce needs in our state,” Piedmont President Marshall M. Criser III said in a statement. “This funding will significantly enhance our ability to mitigate the forensic science workforce shortage in Georgia and beyond.”
University leaders said the upgrades will help train future forensic analysts and scientists while also supporting current law enforcement professionals seeking additional training.
The Piedmont funding is part of a larger federal investment in Habersham County totaling more than $3 million.
As previously reported by Now Georgia, Habersham County is set to receive $2.5 million to construct a new emergency operations center to replace an aging facility. The project is intended to strengthen the county’s emergency response capabilities and provide a more modern hub for coordinating disaster and public safety operations.
County officials have said the new facility will address limitations with the current center and improve coordination during emergencies.
Ossoff said the funding reflects bipartisan efforts to support both workforce development and public safety infrastructure in Northeast Georgia.
The combined investments are expected to bolster both education and emergency preparedness efforts across Habersham County.
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