Miles SmithGeorgia lawmakers are considering budget amendments that include $2.2 billion in improvements to water and transportation infrastructure and investments in economic development across the state.
The recommendations, which include funding for projects aimed at improving the safety of freight transportation, were included in Gov. Brian Kemp’s formal budget recommendation report that was released in late January.
The governor releases recommendations for an amended current year budget and the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year each January. Georgia’s fiscal year runs from July 1-June 30.
Kemp told the General Assembly that nearly half the infrastructure investment would go to the Georgia Department of Transportation for “constructing and maintaining the network and advancing freight infrastructure projects.”
“The other $1.1 billion in infrastructure investment will be available for community-level projects across the state with direct, local economic development benefit,” Kemp said in a prepared statement.
The amended budget includes:
- $501 million for surface water investments in the state’s coastal region to support long-term growth·
- $250 million for local road assistance grants, more than doubling the state’s annual investment
- $250 million for the Georgia Environmental Finance Authority for water infrastructure grants and loans to support future economic growth
- $60 million for the Georgia Transportation Infrastructure Bank to provide low-interest loan and grant opportunities for local governments to enhance transportation and mobility
- $48 million in the OneGeorgia Authority to continue rural workforce housing and rural site development programs.
Budget amendments also ask lawmakers to approve an additional $614 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts including:
- $300 million for the Department of Transportation for debris cleanup, road repair, and signage replacement
- $150 million for the Governor’s Emergency Fund for the state’s share of FEMA’s reimbursement of ongoing debris removal, temporary shelter expenses, and direct aid to Georgians
- $100 million to replenish funds used for immediate financial relief for the agricultural and timber industries
- $50 million to boost the state’s property insurance risk pool
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