Gov. Nathan Deal Friday announced more than $2.2 million in state development awards for Cornelia, Dawson County, and Hart County, part of more than $40 million for 60 communities statewide.
Cornelia, Dawson County, and Hart County are each getting $750,000. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development allocated the funding to Georgia’s Community Development Block Grant program, which is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs.
“Strong and prosperous communities enhance the quality of life for citizens and generate economic development opportunities across the state,” said Deal. “The CDBG program enables cities and counties to direct federal funding to address critical community needs and revitalize the local economies that need it most. By investing in smaller cities and rural areas, we are preparing an even brighter future for all of Georgia, maximizing opportunities for citizens and further solidifying Georgia’s position as the No. 1 state in the nation for business.”
Of this year’s grant awards, $38.2 million will go to infrastructure projects such as neighborhood revitalization, construction of community facilities, and water, sewer, drainage or street improvements. An additional $2.8 million will be disbursed through the Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and the Redevelopment Fund, which together are projected to create 345 new jobs and generate $50.2 million in additional private investment.
Cornelia's share will be used for sewer improvements, Dawson County's for its senior center, and Hart County's for water system improvements.
A complete list of 2018 CDBG awards can be found here.
