Greensboro Receives Grant to Assist Lake Country Brewing

​(October 8, 2015 – Greensboro, GA)   The City of Greensboro has received a 2015 Redevelopment Fund grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Greensboro was one of 79 Georgia communities awarded this year.
 
“Strong, vibrant communities help attract companies to the state,” said Governor Nathan Deal. “The projects funded by this program will enhance the quality of life for Georgians while supporting job growth and economic development. By leveraging this funding with private investment and local funds, small and rural communities are able to maximize the opportunities afforded by the CDBG program and strengthen the foundation for a prosperous business climate."


The grant funds will be allocated to the Greensboro Downtown Development Authority (DDA) and provided as a low-interest loan to Lake Country Brewing.  As loan payments are made back to the DDA, the funds may be used to make additional low-interest loans to future business start-ups in the downtown.  Lake Country Brewing will occupy the former Chero Cola building on West Street near the city’s old train depot. 
 
The grant award was presented to the city by DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles in a ceremony hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in Jekyll Island, Ga., on September 11.  The award was accepted on behalf of the city by Larry Postell, City Manager and Cail Hammons, Community Development Director and on behalf of Lake Country Brewing by John and Nathan McGarity.

Sixty-six Georgia communities received almost $31.9 million in CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization, and centers that will serve Georgia’s neediest citizens. In addition, $5.5 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and Redevelopment Fund (RDF) funding was awarded to 13 Georgia communities to invest in economic development and redevelopment projects that are creating 640 jobs and more than $199 million in private investment.
 

​Georgia’s CDBG program annually supports projects in Georgia’s small and rural communities that create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens. Awards ranging from $282,435 to $800,000 will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods, and construction of health facilities, as well as senior citizen and youth centers.
 
“The history of the impact that the annual Community Development Block Grant awards have made on infrastructure, revitalization, and job creation and retention throughout Georgia is remarkable,” said DCA Commissioner Knowles. “The project application review process is a highly competitive one, and we appreciate the diligence that went into each community’s application. The DCA staff looks forward to working with (City/County) as they use these resources to make a difference in the lives of their local citizens.”
 
A complete list of the 2015 CDBG awards with project descriptions may be viewed at: http://www.dca.ga.gov/communities/CDBG/documents/2015_Awards/2015%20Award_Description_List.pdf.