Press release, 2017 August 31

For immediate release Aug. 31, 2017

Office of Communications (404) 651-7774

Deal announces more than $37.5 million in community development awards

Gov. Nathan Deal today announced that 59 Georgia communities will receive a total of $37.55 million in federal assistance to help grow their local economies. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development awarded the funding to Georgia's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).

"Georgia's economic growth is a result of strong and prosperous communities across the state," said Deal. "The CDBG program addresses critical community needs by providing cities and counties with the necessary resources to improve overall quality of life and revitalize the local economies that need it the most. By continuing to invest in our local communities, we are preparing all of Georgia's citizens for an even brighter future as well as solidifying our position as the top state in the nation for business."

Of the 59 communities receiving grants, 51 will receive $32.7 million in CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization and centers to serve citizens in need. Also, $4.8 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program and Redevelopment Fund awards have been presented to 10 Georgia communities to invest in restoration and economic development projects that are creating 446 jobs and generating an additional $117 million in private investment.

The CDBG program supports projects in Georgia's small and rural communities that create jobs and assist citizens with low and moderate incomes. Awards ranging from $237,639 to $1 million will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street

improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods and construction of facilities such as health, youth and senior centers. Communities are required to complete their designated project within two years of receiving awards.
"CDBG grants help lay the groundwork for future growth for our communities, and are often leveraged with other funding to help them prepare for economic development opportunities," said DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles. "These awards are about helping each community achieve its vision and implement plans to create a bright future."
The annual grants are one of the most recognized, competitive and vital programs administered by DCA. CDBG funds support the establishment, expansion or renovation of public facilities, including domestic violence and battered women's shelters and facilities for abused children. The CDBG program's investments in new and enhanced health care facilities have helped more than 250,000 Georgians gain access to improved health care services, primarily in hard-to-reach areas. To date, the CDBG program has funded critical projects to improve water and sewer services for more than 200,000 people in rural communities across the state.
A complete list of 2017 CDBG awards is attached. More information regarding Georgia's CDBG awards and annual conference is available here.
About the Department of Community Affairs The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to help them build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rent housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.
Jen Talaber Ryan
jen.ryan@georgia.gov
Alyssa Botts
abotts@georgia.gov

2017 CDBG Awards
Recipient Abbeville, City of Ashburn, City of Bainbridge, City of Bulloch County Burke County Butler, City of Charlton County Chickamauga, City of Coffee County Collins, City of Cordele, City of Cornelia, City of Crisp County Dexter, City of Dooling, City of Dublin, City of Fort Valley, City of Franklin, City of Glennville, City of Griffin, City of Habersham County Hancock County Hogansville, City of Jasper County Lamar County Lumpkin County Milledgeville, City of Montezuma, City of Newington, City of Ocilla, City of Omega, City of Pearson, City of Pelham, City of Perry, City of Pierce County Pine Mountain, City of Reynolds, City of Rincon, City of Sandersville, City of Sparks, City of

Project Description Water/Sewer Improvements Water Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Senior Center Health Center Sewer Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Water Improvements Neighborhood Revitalization Sewer Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Water Improvements Sewer Improvements Neighborhood Revitalization Neighborhood Revitalization Sewer Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Sewer Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Senior Center Health Center Water/Sewer Improvements Senior Center Health Center Senior Center Sewer Improvements Water Improvements Sewer Improvements Multi Infrastructure Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Multi Infrastructure Improvements Neighborhood Revitalization Neighborhood Revitalization Drainage/Street Improvements Drainage Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Water/Sewer Improvements Boys and Girls Club Drainage/Street Improvements

Amount $500,000.00 $237,639.00 $277,280.00 $750,000.00 $734,845.00 $705,419.00
$500,000.00 $623,889.00 $544,478.00 $498,925.00 $750,000.00 $500,000.00 $750,000.00 $243,891.00 $420,700.00 $630,094.00 $710,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $627,950.00 $637,900.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $595,726.00 $678,277.00 $750,000.00 $600,000.00 $750,000.00 $370,713.00 $750,000.00 $725,773.00 $722,000.00 $750,000.00 $578,550.00 $490,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $676,552.00

Recipient
Surrency, City of Talbotton, City of Thomasville, City of Thomson, City of Vidalia, City of Vienna, City of Ware County Warrenton, City of Wilcox County Worth County Wrens, City of

Project Description
Drainage/Street Improvements Sewer Improvements Multi Infrastructure Improvements Multi Activity Program Drainage/Street Improvements Neighborhood Revitalization Youth Center Sewer Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Drainage/Street Improvements Sewer Improvements

Amount
$599,821.00 $500,000.00 $750,000.00 $1,000,000.00 $750,000.00 $715,000.00 $750,000.00 $750,000.00 $622,105.00 $391,937.00 $585,522.00

Recent CDBG Employment Incentive Program/Redevelopment Awards

Recipient

Project Description

Amount

Alma, City of

Economic Development

Bulloch County

Economic Development

Butts County

Economic Development

Cartersville, City of

Economic Development

Clarkesville, City of

Redevelopment

Coffee County

Economic Development

Luthersville, City of

Redevelopment

Putnam County

Economic Development

Tifton, City of

Redevelopment

Washington, City of

Redevelopment

$500,000.00 $500,000.00 $500,000.00 $239,085.00 $500,000.00 $750,000.00 $440,817.00 $500,000.00 $376,887.00 $500,000.00