ATHENS — U.S. Department of Agriculture State Director Quinton Robinson on Tuesday announced the closure of the Georgia Rural Development Area Six area office in Baxley, which has served the Southeast region of Georgia for more than three decades.

The closure is projected to be complete by Friday. Area Six operations will continue uninterrupted as the region’s sub-area offices in Statesboro, Blackshear and Douglas will remain open. The USDA service center at 703 E. Ward St. in Douglas will be the new Area Six office.

USDA administers and manages housing, business and community-infrastructure programs through a national network of state and local offices. Rural Development has an active portfolio of more than $172 billion in loans and loan guarantees.

These programs are designed to improve the economic stability of rural communities, businesses, residents, farmers and ranchers and improve the quality of life in rural America.