Cook County has received a 2016 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) / Employment Incentive Program (EIP) / Redevelopment Fund) grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA).
DCA administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Cook County was one of 74 Georgia communities awarded this year.
“Strong and prosperous communities serve their citizens best and help attract businesses to Georgia,” said Gov. Nathan Deal. “The projects funded by this program will stimulate economic development in these communities and enhance the quality of life for all Georgians. This program allows cities and counties to direct federal funding to address critical community needs, maximizing opportunities for citizens and ensuring that Georgia remains a top state for business.”
Cook County will utilize this grant for streets and flood and drainage improvements along Oak Trace Road and River Trace Road. The project will benefit 108 persons, of whom 101 (94 percent) are Low- to Moderate-Income (LMI).
The project includes road paving (subgrade and soil cement base with asphalt layer) and a system of ditch sections and cross drains. The total project cost is $562,796, with $62,796 in match and leverage.
The grant award was presented to Cook County by DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles and was accepted on behalf of the County by Commission Vice Chairman Dwight Purvis, Commissioner Jeff Lane, and County Administrator Faye Hughes in a recent ceremony hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs at Hyatt Regency, Savannah, Ga.
This year, 68 Georgia communities received $33.3 million in CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and centers that will serve Georgia’s neediest citizens. In addition, $4.3 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and Redevelopment Fund (RDF) funding was awarded to 11 Georgia communities to invest in economic development and redevelopment projects that are creating 511 jobs and leveraging more than $86.7 million in private investment.
Georgia’s CDBG program annually supports projects in Georgia’s small and rural communities that create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens. Awards ranging from $226,944 to $800,000 will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods, and construction of health facilities, as well as senior citizen and youth centers.
“Each year, these awards touch communities in every corner of our state,” said DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles. “We look forward to seeing the results, and we anticipate great success stories coming out of Cook County as you lay the groundwork for future growth, and use these resources to make a lasting difference in the lives of local residents.”
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