U.S. Department of Agriculture
In June, the USDA announced a $2.6 million investment in rural Georgia community facilities and essential services. This includes grants and loans for high ticket items like fire trucks, police vehicles and public works equipment. Twelve Georgia cities were included in this investment.
Visit rd.usda.gov for more information about USDA’s Rural Development programs.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Broadband Ready Communities
Georgia cities can apply to be designated a Broadband Ready Community through DCA. Cities must demonstrate that they have adopted a plan to promote broadband service deployment. This designation promotes rural communities for potential economic development opportunities and can help the expansion of internet access. Nine Georgia cities—Byron, Claxton, Fitzgerald, Fort Valley, Hagan, Hiawassee, Ocilla, Summerville and Woodbury—have already achieved this designation.
Visit broadband.georgiaa.gov for more information.
Georgia Department of Community Affairs Rental Assistance
Georgia has received $552 million from the U.S. Department of Treasury Federal Emergency Rental Assistance Program, which will be used to provide relief to tenants and landlords who have been financially impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funds from this program will bring past due rent up-to-date and will be given directly to landlords. Eligible applicants will receive up to 12 months of assistance.
Visit georgiarentalassistance.ga.gov for more information.
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Albany has received $330,000 from the EPA for the cleanup of brownfield sites. The city had previously received an $800,000 revolving loan fund grant from the agency for this project. A brownfield is typically a former industrial or commercial site that may be contaminated with environmentally harmful substances; cleaning them up alleviates the environmental stress and provides a new site for economic development.
Visit epa.gov/brownfields for more information.
Georgia Department of Natural Resources
DNR is currently accepting requests and applications for two grant programs:
- The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, open for requests as of Aug. 1, allows cities to request grants funding construction, renovation and maintenance of boating infrastructure.
- The Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program opens its 2021-2022 funding cycle on Aug. 2. This program funds park and trail projects that help conserve environmentally critical areas.
Visit gastateparks.org/grants for more information.
This article was originally featured in the July/August 2021 edition of Georgia’s Cities Magazine.