Community Development Block Grant 
Improving Neighborhoods 
 
Ramping Up Existing Systems/Procedures for Shovel Ready Projects 
When you think of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act (ARRA) or Stimulus funds, you think of the phrase "shovel-ready." This term is no more apparent than when it comes to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) fund projects awarded under ARRA. Using these funds, local grants were made across the state to cities with populations of less than 50,000 (except cities that are designated principal cities of Metropolitan Statistical Areas) and to counties with populations of less than 200,000 to improve low- to moderate-income neighborhoods. Specifically, these local grants funded projects to assist Georgia citizens and communities by improving substandard building, water, sewer, street, or drainage facilities. 
 
The Georgia Department of Community Affairs received $10.8 million in ARRA funding for a special round of CDBG funding. These funds would not have been available if not for this special appropriation. Leveraging the existing Georgia CDBG merit-based formula and systems for funding applications, the program has awarded funds to 23 projects. Some of these improvements also allowed area employers to maintain and create longterm permanent jobs. All projects created temporary construction jobs. 
 
Sanitary Sewer, Clean Water and Passable Roads for 5,164 Citizens 
Sanitary sewer, clean water and passable roads are things that most people take for granted. Yet, there are communities right here in the State of Georgia where basic infrastructure needs are not being met. To date, the CDBG stimulus funds have benefitted 1,088 people by providing paved roads and adequate drainage so that emergency vehicles can reach people during stormy weather or other emergencies. An additional 3,658 people have benefitted from improved water quality and fire protection through new and updated water infrastructure. Sanitary sewer is now available to 418 people, replacing failing septic tanks and alleviating health and safety problems. 
 
As of March 31, 2012, with a total of 93.72% of funds spent, a total of 18,445 people benefitted from the CDBG stimulus funding. This equals a cost of $589 per person. The $10.8 million in stimulus funding also leveraged $30.8 million in other public and private investment. 
 
Action on Flooding - Cairo 
This project proposed flood and drainage improvements in the Sixth Avenue Northwest Neighborhood, a lowand-moderate income neighborhood of 462 people. The neighborhood was subject to periodic flooding, limiting access by emergency vehicles and requiring periodic resident evacuations. The construction work created four full-time equivalent construction jobs. A total of $400,000 in CDBG Stimulus funds matched $101,615 in local funds. 
 
Before 
 
During Construction 
 
 Community Development Block Grant - ARRA - Improving Neighborhoods 
Results as of 3/31/2012 
 
Dollar s 
 
CDBG-ARRA Funding Leveraged 3 Times Its Amount in Other Funds 
 
$35,000,000 
 
$30,000,000 
 
$25,000,000 
 
$20,000,000 
 
$15,000,000 
 
$10,000,000 
 
$5,000,000 
 
$0 CDBG-ARRA (Federal Funds) 
 
Funds Leveraged 
 
Number of Persons Served by 
CDBG ARRA Funding 18,445 
 
17,284 
 
Proposed 
 
Actual 
 
Percentage of Low-Moderate Income Persons Served by CDBG 
ARRA Funding 
87 
51 
 
Required % 
 
Actual % 
 
Number of Jobs Created 300 
250 
200 
150 
100 
50 
0 Permanent Temporary 
CDBG-ARRA funding 
$12,000,000 $10,000,000 
$8,000,000 $6,000,000 $4,000,000 $2,000,000 
$0 Awarded Spent