ATLANTA - Gov. Nathan Deal Tuesday announced that 82 Georgia communities - including Oakwood and several others in northeast Georgia - will receive a total of $39.7 million in assistance to grow their local economies. <br />
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The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) awarded the funding to Georgia's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is administered by the Department of Community Affairs (DCA).<br />
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Seventy-one Georgia communities will receive almost $35.8 million in Community Development Block Grants for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization and centers that will serve Georgia's neediest citizens. In addition, $3.9 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) funding was recently awarded to 11 Georgia communities - including Oakwood - to invest in redevelopment and economic development projects that are creating 1,172 jobs and $316.6 million in private investment.<br />
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Oakwood is getting $500,000 for economic development. Commerce and Winder are each getting a like amount for their Boys & Girls Clubs; $500,000 is also going to both Cornelia and Lumpkin County for water system improvements; Pickens County is getting that amount for a health center; and Rabun County gets $300,000 for economic development. <br />
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A complete list of the 2014 CDBG awards can be found by clicking on the link below.