CountyLine
May 2021, Vol.15 , No.5
 
ACCG News
  



Get involved in the ACCG Policy development process! As we head into the new policy year, ACCG would like to get a better idea of what issues your county is facing that need state or federal assistance, a change to state or federal law, or a change to state or federal agency rules and regulations. Participate in a brief survey to share your county's policy concerns. Your input is needed! 
  
 
 
 
 

Meg Hicks, Mercer University graduate, shines bright as this month's intern. Hicks was the fist intern for the Upson County Planning and Zoning Department. She played a vital role in assisting the department draft ordinances, rezoning applications and other various projects. Learn more about her experience and the opportunities she has been afforded since.
  
Now, more than ever, counties are celebrated for their tireless work on behalf of their communities. Help ACCG highlight those efforts by sending in your photos for Georgia's Local Lens, the newsletter that provides a weekly snapshot of Georgia's counties. Visit the ACCG website for more information.
 
Mauldin & Jenkins
Crews & Associates
 
State News
  
The Georgia Environmental Finance Authority is hosting a three-part Water 101 Training series starting this month. The training will focus on the loan application process, projects eligible for financing through the State Revolving Fund programs, interest rate discounts, and principal forgiveness. The webinar is intended for staff of local governments, authorities, and regional commissions.
  
The Georgia Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is pleased to announce the 2021-2022 Georgia Outdoor Stewardship Program (GOSP) and Recreational Trails Program (RTP) Funding Cycle and Educational Workshop dates for the 2021-2022 funding cycle.
  
Updated jurisdiction-level data for all of Georgia’s local governments is not expected to be released by the U.S. Census Bureau until December 2021. Due to this delay, DCA will continue to utilize 2019 Population Estimates for all municipal, county, and consolidated governments in the state.
  
The Georgia Academy for Economic Development is offering a new course titled "The Essentials."
This one-day course is designed to enhance participants' collaborative leadership skills while teaching what essential elements must be invested in for a community to experience a vibrant economy and manageable growth. This course is suited to elected officials, local decision-makers, and any individual who wants to see their community thrive.
 
Georgia Transmission Corporation
Bo Phillips Company
 
Federal News
  
The Census Bureau has officially released the 2020 Census Apportionment Data along with state population counts. Read more to discover how to access and visualize the 2020 Census apportionment data.
  
From fire stations to farmers markets, the U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Development agency is here to help rural Georgia develop and grow by offering federal assistance that improves quality of life. 
  
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity to apply for $1 billion in FY2021 discretionary grant funding through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants. RAISE, formerly known as BUILD and TIGER, has awarded over $8.935 billion in grants to projects in all 50 states. The deadline to submit an application is July 12.
  
Submit Your Application for a Presidential Appointment. The National Association of Counties (NACo) needs Georgia county leaders. NACo First Vice President and DeKalb County Commissioner Larry Johnson recently announced the application period for 2021-2022 Presidential Leadership and Committee Appointments.