Last week, Governor Brian P. Kemp announced that he has made preliminary grant awards totaling more than $225 million for 142 qualified projects that improve neighborhood assets like parks, recreation facilities, sidewalks, and healthy food access in communities all across the state disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The program funds will be allotted to local units of government, counties, and non-profits to utilize in improving or maintaining recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts or for repair or maintenance due to significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic.

“These funds will significantly impact recreation facilities and vital infrastructure in middle Georgia,” said President Pro Tempore Kennedy. “I am greatly appreciative to Governor Kemp and his staff for securing this grant funding for the people of Upson and Peach Counties. It is my hope that the appropriation of these dollars will positively impact these communities and I look forward to seeing these projects come to fruition in the coming months” 

Funds awarded to the 18^th State Senate District include:

Peach County Board of Commissioners with $760,318.90 to extend the current walking trail located at South Peach Park.

Macon Bibb County with $1,375,000.00 to improve Linear Park.

City of Thomaston with $1,466,437.50 for improvements to availability and access to healthy food opportunities for Silvertown neighborhood.