$6.6M in Grants Awarded

Montgomery County and the cities of Lyons and Alamo each received $2.2 million for community upgrades as part of $225 million grant package announced May 18 by Governor Brian P. Kemp. The preliminary grant awards for 142 qualified projects will 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.

'With our partners on both the local and state levels, we've prioritized helping Georgia's communities further recover from the pandemic with a bottom-up approach,' said Kemp. 'Today, we're investing these funds to see that those most heavily impacted have even more resources at their disposal, and I want to thank our partners for helping us make that continued from page

possible.' In accordance with grant requirements, awarded funds will go to eligible nonprofits and local governments to utilize in improving or maintaining recreational facilities in Qualified Census Tracts or for repair or maintenance needs due to significantly greater use of public facilities during the pandemic.

“I want to thank Governor Brian Kemp for his leadership during the pandemic and today when local communities and citizens are still being impacted,” said Lt. Governor Burt Jones. “Georgia’s economy recovered quickly because of his leadership and the Georgia General Assembly’s partnership. We are committed to ensuring all available relief funds are appropriated in a responsible manner and utilized by communities who need assistance the most.”

“I appreciate Governor Kemp’s careful stewardship in awarding this funding to worthwhile projects in communities across our state,” said Speaker Jon Burns. “Throughout the pandemic, the General Assembly worked shoulder to shoulder with Governor Kemp to protect our citizens and keep our economy moving. We remain committed to working together to see that our best days are still ahead.”

In Montgomery County, the funds will be used to improve the county’s recreational facility located in Mount Vernon by adding lighting for nighttime games, fencing for the football field, a new pavilion adjacent to the soccer field with a concession stand, restrooms, and a picnic area. The grant will also fund new scoreboards and four new aluminum bleachers.

In Lyons, the $2.2 million allocation will go toward improvements at Faison Park by adding two multiuse fields, a community center, two pickle ball fields, two basketball courts, and additional parking.

In the City of Alamo, the grant will go toward further upgrades at Eastside Park by providing sidewalks between the park and nearby Wheeler County School, a shelter over the basketball court, an outdoor amphitheater, a football field with bleachers which will become the home of the new Youth League, fencing around the park, and additional parking.