State Officials Award $17.25 million in Rural Downtown Development Funds

Commissioner Christopher Nunn announced today nine (9) awards for communities to implement innovative downtown redevelopment projects throughout rural Georgia. The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) provided the grants under a special allocation of funding in the Amended FY2022 State of Georgia Budget (H.B. 910).

“These projects represent strategic investments in revitalizing downtown districts.  Downtowns are the heart and economic centers of so many of our communities.  These funds will assist in creating a sense of place and connectivity to residents which promotes the economic vitality of our downtowns.”

The grant allocation totaled $17.25 million and were awarded to cities and downtown development authorities that illustrated a need for improvements and the ability to implement the grants by the June 30, 2024 deadline. Selected projects represent a geographical distribution of various project types, including Streetscape Improvements, Public Infrastructure Improvements and Workforce Development. The award selection process was highly competitive as 53 applications were received requesting over $104 million.

Communities receiving Rural Downtown Redevelopment Grants are:

• Bainbridge, City of (Chason Park Expansion Project) - $1,261,008
• Darien Downtown Development Authority (Rehabilitation and Construction
      of Downtown Docks) - $1,662,510
• Dublin, City of (Madison Street Redevelopment Project) - $3,328,773
• Monroe, City of (Construction of a Downtown Green) - $2,126,340
• Ringgold, City of (Streetscape and Revitalization Project) - $1,421,316
• Tifton, City of (Commerce Way Redevelopment Project) - $955,140
• Toccoa, City of (Tugulo Street Park and Streetscape) - $689,042
• Toombs County Development Authority (Construction of the Greater Vidalia Center for Rural Entrepreneurship) - $4,059,474
• Villa Rica, City of (Transportation Reunification Program) -  $1,746,397

A complete listing of the project descriptions are available below.

Rural Downtown Redevelopment Grant Awards
Map of Rural Downtown Redevelopment Grant Awards
Official Press Release

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About the Department of Community Affairs

The Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA) partners with communities to build strong and vibrant neighborhoods, commercial and industrial areas through community and economic development, local government assistance, and safe and affordable housing. Using state and federal resources, DCA helps communities spur private job creation, implement planning, develop downtowns, generate affordable housing solutions and promote volunteerism. DCA also helps qualified Georgians with low and moderate incomes buy homes, rental housing and prevent foreclosure and homelessness. For more information, visit www.dca.ga.gov.