Georgia to receive $64.9 million community development block grant for disaster relief

ALBANY — Officials with the Dougherty County government applauded on Wednesday the announcement by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development stating that Georgia will receive $64.9 million in community development block grant for disaster recovery.

Dougherty County Commission Chairman Chris Cohilas reacted to the announcement by first offering thanks to the Albany, state and federal officials who coordinated the efforts to achieve this award.

“On behalf of the citizens of Dougherty County, I want to express my deep gratitude to the many people and agencies that worked hard to achieve this result for the state of Georgia, and for Dougherty County,” the chairman said in a statement. “We have been proud to partner with the state and our congressional delegation in working towards this goal.

“First, I want to thank Governor Nathan Deal, who took the time to tour the damage from our county’s 2017 disasters, and personally submitted a request to Congress for funding on behalf of the state, and Dougherty County. I also want to express deep thanks to Senators (Johnny) Isakson and (David) Perdue, and Congressman (Sanford) Bishop, who all worked tirelessly to make sure that Georgia and Dougherty County’s needs were addressed through a sizable award. I also thank HUD Secretary Ben Carson and Deputy Secretary Pam Patenaude for providing direct engagement between Dougherty County and their dedicated staff.

“Finally, and importantly, I want to thank Interim County Administrator, Michael McCoy, and the many members of Dougherty County’s Long Term Recovery Committee that worked diligently to produce a high-level recovery plan that was submitted in support of Georgia’s and Dougherty County’s request.”

Dougherty County partnered with the state to develop a community recovery plan, and to obtain funds for the state, which can be administered to address unmet needs following the January 2017 storms that hit Albany, and Tropical Storm Irma in September.

“Partnership is key in making these type of requests,” Cohilas said. “We have been proud to work with our state and federal partners, and are elated to see that the state of Georgia has received this award. This was a team effort that will continue into the future. We look forward to our continued partnership with Governor Deal and the Georgia Department of Community Affairs as a determination on Dougherty County’s allocation is made.”

Dougherty County officials said they continue to work in partnership with the city of Albany towards execution of its long term plan for the county. For more information on the plan, visit http://www.dougherty.ga.us/filestorage/1800/143202/Dougherty_County-Albany_GA_Long_Term_Recovery_Plan_-_presented_2017.10.30.pdf.

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