Former U.S. Forest Service Toccoa Work Center transferred to Fannin County Schools

The U.S. Forest Service announces the sale and transfer of property formerly used as a work center by the old Toccoa Ranger District. The work center site became excess several years ago due to district consolidations. The disposal of the work center site, which consists of approximately 38 acres of land and 4 buildings, addresses several needs for the Chattahoochee National Forest.  “This property was no longer needed by the Forest Service and staff have not worked at the location for some time,” said District Ranger Andy Baker. “The national forest will reduce maintenance costs and now be able to reinvest the sale proceeds to higher priorities.” The agency notified the public about the proposed sale in 2011, with a final decision approving the sale in 2015. After resolving complex title issues, the agency completed the sale to Fannin County in 2019, for the appraised value of $625,000.  The sale was conducted under the Forest Service Facilities Realignment and Enhancement Act of 2005, a law designed to improve agency operations and provide benefits to the public. Use of the proceeds of the sale shall be available for the acquisition, construction, or improvement of needed administrative facilities and associated land in connection with the Chattahoochee-Oconee National Forests. The Fannin County School System expressed an interest in acquiring the Forest Service property to accommodate the school district’s growth and current need to expand its facilities. The immediate plan is to place a much-needed transportation facility on the property.  According to Fannin County School System Superintendent Dr. Michael Gwatney, “This property is ideal for our immediate needs. It is centrally-located within Fannin County, and it will allow us to construct an improved transportation facility. The remaining acreage allows us the ability to complete other significant projects on the property in the future. In addition, having this property for a new transportation facility allows us to free up the current transportation area for use by the high school. This acquisition will make a difference for our school district for many years to come, and I am thankful for this opportunity.” Fannin County Commissioner Stan Helton helped to connect the Forest Service with the school system and provided support for the transfer of the property. Helton said, “Here in Fannin County we have a great relationship between the county and the school system, which benefits both our citizens and the students in Fannin County.  Pictured are Chairman Stan Helton and Forest Supervisor Betty Jewett.