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ATLANTA — Gov. Brian Kemp announced in late August that 59 Georgia Communities will receive a total of $41 million in federal assistance, $2.9 million of which will go toward funding development projects in the cities of Vienna (Dooly County), Marshallville (Macon County), Plains (Sumter County), and Reynolds (Taylor County), which reside within the River Valley Region.

 

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated the funding to Georgia’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA). The River Valley Regional Commission, which was responsible for writing the CDBG grant applications on behalf of the communities, will also administer the projects.

 

“These communities understand the importance of how these funds can enhance and improve the quality of life for residents across the state,” Kemp said. “When communities are revitalized, their citizens are as well. The CDBG program continues to elevate Georgia’s prominence as a great place to live, work and raise a family.”

 

The CDBG program is available to eligible local governments through a competitive grant program. Each year, CDBG supports community projects that create jobs and assist citizens with low and moderate incomes. The River Valley Regional Commission assists communities in need of CDBG funding through the application and administration process.

 

Of this year’s grant awards, all $2.9 million will go toward infrastructure projects like water, sewer, street, and drainage improvements. The total cost of projects between the four communities is $3,288,119, with the state awarding 90 percent of funding needs. In total, 1,084 people will benefit from the community improvements, 82 percent of which are low to moderate income individuals.

 

“I look forward to recognizing these outstanding communities at our annual Fall Conference,” said DCA Commissioner Christopher Nunn. “The CDBG recipients embody careful planning, hard work and dedication to improving their communities.”

 

City of Marshallville – Water Improvements: $750,000

Macon County

The City of Marshallville proposes to use $750,000 in CDBG funds for water system improvements in the Brown Street area. The project will benefit 101 persons, of whom 76 (75.25 percent) are LMI. The total project cost is $786,621, with $36,621 in match and leverage.

 

City of Plains – Water Improvements: $750,000

Sumter County

 

The city of Plains proposes to use $750,000 in CDBG funds for water system improvements throughout the City. The project will benefit 755 persons, of whom 634 (83.97 percent) are LMI. The total project cost is $803,400, with $53,400 in match and leverage.

 

City of Reynolds – Drainage/ Street Improvements: $750,000

Taylor County

 

The City of Reynolds proposes to use $750,000 in CDBG funds for street and drainage improvements along South Lashley Street, South Boundary Street, and South Collins Street. The project will benefit 111 persons, of whom 83 (74.77 percent) are LMI. The total project cost is $960,000 with $210,000 in match and leverage.

 

City of Vienna – Sewer Improvements: $707,712

Dooly County

 

The City of Vienna proposes to use $707,712 in CDBG funds for sewer system improvements along Gregory Street, West Woodward Street, and Parker Street. The project will benefit 117 Persons, of whom 98 (83.76 percent) are LMI. The total project cost is $738,098, with $30,386 in match and leverage.