Gov. Nathan Deal announced today that more than $38.8 million in federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was awarded to the state’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.

The State Community Development Block Grant program provides a financial resource to Georgia’s smaller and rural communities to support projects that will create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens. As communities large and small are making tough choices, today’s announcement supports economic development, job creation, and quality of life at the local level.

Nearly $33 million is now being allocated for CDBG awards that will be used to support health and safety projects in 70 Georgia communities. Projects include the upgrading of water supplies, the provision of basic sewer services, health facilities, senior citizen facilities, flood and drainage improvements and other neighborhood revitalization projects.

An additional $6 million was recently invested for economic development projects in 15 Georgia communities. The CDBG funds for the 15 projects will leverage over $450 million in private investments for economic expansions that will create more than 1,700 jobs for Georgians. As additional resources become available, funds for worthwhile job creation and redevelopment projects will be made available on an ongoing basis in various parts of the state. A complete list of projects and award amounts is included at the end of the news release.

The CDBG program is administered by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which uses funds allocated through HUD to support local initiatives that focus on improving living conditions and economic opportunities.

“We are pleased that these funds will be combined with private investments and local funds to implement critical community and economic development projects. Each year, CDBG investments demonstrate how the state and local partners working together with the private sector can create a climate of success in local communities for families and businesses,” said DCA Commissioner Mike Beatty.