Georgia
Program | # of Grants | EDA Funds |
---|---|---|
Public Works | 6 | $5,246,501 |
Technical Assistance |
3 | $176,192 |
Planning | 1 | $189,000 |
Total | 10 | $5,611,693 |
During FY 2012, EDA awarded 10 grants in the State of Georgia totaling $5.6 million. EDA invested in six Public Works projects that funded critical infrastructure —road improvements and rail spurs, increased sewer capacity, and installed fiber optic cable—that are helping communities across the state to support business expansion and the attraction of new industry. These investments are expected to create or retain 767 jobs according to grantee estimates.
Investment Spotlight: EDA-Funded Roadway Improvements Pave the Way to Job Growth
The city of Dalton, in Whitfield County, Georgia, was known as the “Carpet Capital of the World” for its many large and small carpet manufacturers. The sharp decline in residential and commercial construction during the economic downturn had direct negative impacts on the demand for carpet, leaving the carpet industry, and Dalton, particularly hard hit.
In 2012, EDA awarded Whitfield County $1.4 million in Public Works funds to construct roadway improvements to a manufacturing area. This investment enables the location of an engineered wood floors plant in Dalton. The new facility leverages the workforce talent in the region and utilizes recycled materials in its production process to cut waste and reduce dependence on raw materials to help the company become more competitive in the global marketplace. The project is expected to create 250 jobs and generate $65 million in private investment, according to grantee estimates.