On Tuesday of this week, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp announced he is allocating around $250 million to help low-income Georgia communities improve parks, sidewalks, recreation facilities, and healthy food access.
The money comes from federal COVID-19 relief funds provided to the state under the American Rescue Plan Act.
A statement from the governor’s office said investment in infrastructure like parks and sidewalks has been connected to better health and decreased mortality from covid and other illnesses.
“Though we have long since turned the corner on the pandemic, we know there are still some lingering public health impacts of COVID-19 that are broader than the disease itself,” Kemp said. “They include mental health challenges and unhealthy physical conditions caused by isolation.”
The $250 million will be awarded through a grant program. Local and county governments as well as non-profits can apply. The projects must be located in low-income communities.
Each approved project will be eligible to receive up to $2 million. Applications will be accepted from Sept. 1 to Nov. 18 and a virtual applicant workshop will be held on Sept. 6. More information about applying can be found on the program’s website, Improving Neighborhood Outcomes in Disproportionally Impacted Communities.
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