More than 30 organizations will benefit from the new round of COVID relief grants rolled out Monday by Gov. Brian Kemp. The $400 million in aid is the third such announcement he has made this year.
Back in February, the state awarded money to 49 broadband projects in hopes of further closing the so-called digital divide. Later that same month, he unveiled more than $400 million in water and sewer infrastructure grants.
The funding comes from the state's anticipated $4.8 billion allotments of federal COVID relief money approved by Congress in March 2021. A panel of lawmakers and other officials reviewed the applications and determined where the money should go.
"Our balanced and targeted approach has also allowed us to ensure we are accounting for additional high-need areas," Kemp said in a press release. "We have worked hard and identified ways to further deliver assistance to hardworking Georgians, support businesses and speed up the recovery of impacted industries, and rebuild crucial public services."
Among the significant allotments: the Georgia Hotel and Lodging Association will receive $150 million in the latest round of funding. The organization plans to use the money to provide grants for struggling hotel owners.
According to the governor's office, $100 million will go to the Georgia Investments in Housing Grant, which supports nonprofits that provide housing and other assistance to individuals experiencing homelessness.
$50 million will go to the Victims Service Provider Grant to help address challenges that nonprofits have experienced during the economic hardships of the pandemic.
Locally, the Georgia Mountain Food Bank is set to receive more than $2.8 million for its efforts to "address food insecurity."
You can see the full list of awards here.
