Georgia Trend Daily – Sept. 22, 2023
Sept. 22, 2023 Dalton Daily Citizen
Georgia Department of Transportation recognizes Rail Safety Week, promoting safety awareness across the Peach State
Staff reports, every three hours in the United States a person or vehicle is hit by a train, and more than 60% of these collisions happen at crossings equipped with lights and/or gates, according to Operation Lifesaver. In an effort to spread awareness about safety at railroad crossings, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) is recognizing Rail Safety Week Sept. 18-22, a national effort organized by Operation Lifesaver.
Sept. 22, 2023 Georgia Trend – Exclusive!
Cobb County | Building Smart from the Start
Patty Rasmussen reports that over 35 years ago, an infrastructure project catalyzed Georgia’s first community improvement district (CID). A Cobb County developer, with the support of Cumberland Galleria property owners, sought to create an access point to Interstate 75 and spoke to Georgia legislators about how that might be done. The result was 1984 legislation incorporated into the state’s constitution allowing for CIDs.
Sept. 22, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Blank Foundation gives away more than $24 million in grants
Mirtha Donastorg reports that the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation announced Thursday it had approved a little more than $24 million in grants to six organizations, the vast majority of which are going towards efforts to revitalize Atlanta’s westside. The foundation is giving a total of $22.4 million for projects to boost housing affordability and financial access in English Avenue and Vine City, two neighborhoods near Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Sept. 22, 2023 GPB
Macon to house one-of-a-kind center for people with disabilities
Sofi Gratas reports, Georgia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities is partnering with a Macon-based provider to open a healthcare center specifically for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or IDD. Leaders say it’s the first of its kind in the country.
Sept. 22, 2023 Rome News-Tribune
Floyd County Schools approved for PEACH state tax credit grant
Lenora Doss reports that Floyd County Schools is approved for up to $1 million in grants through the Public Education Advancing Change tax credit program funded by private donations. Taxpayers can receive a dollar-for-dollar state tax credit for their donation to the PEACH fund, which is administered by the Georgia Foundation for Public Education.
Sept. 22, 2023 Valdosta Daily Times
Humana awards $750K to Volunteers of America Southeast to expand Family Focused Recovery Services
Kasmira Smith reports, more mothers and families suffering from substance use disorder will soon be able to receive recovery services in Valdosta as a result of the Humana Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Humana Inc., which awarded a $750,000 grant to the Volunteers of America (VOA) Southeast.
Sept. 22, 2023 Gwinnett Daily Post
Gwinnett’s $17 billion transit expansion plan approved by commissioners
Curt Yeomans reports that Gwinnett County commissioners have given the green light for a massive expansion of the county’s transit system over the next 12 years. The commission approved the county’s new $17 billion Transit Development Plan on Tuesday.
Sept. 22, 2023 The Current
Study shows high exposure to PCBs in Brunswick
Mary Landers reports that Glynn County Commissioner Allen Booker grew up in public housing just a block away from the Pinova/Hercules chemical plant in Brunswick, he told community members who gathered Tuesday to hear preliminary results of a study of chemical exposure in the area, which is home to four Superfund sites.
Sept. 22, 2023 Georgia.gov
Governor Kemp Accepts James A. Van Fleet Award from The Korea Society
Staff reports, at the Korea Society’s 2023 Annual Dinner, Gov. Kemp yesterday accepted its signature honor, the James A. Van Fleet Award, on behalf of the Georgia Department of Economic Development (GDEcD). Governor Kemp also delivered keynote remarks, highlighting the depth of the relationship and opportunity between the State of Georgia and the Republic of Korea.
Sept. 22, 2023 Georgia Recorder
Georgia AG shrugs off open records violations but demands local DAs enforce all laws equally
Chaya Tong reports, when Gov. Brian Kemp signed the GOP-backed Senate Bill 92 in May, he set Georgia on a path to creating something the state had never seen before: a prosecutorial oversight commission with the muscle to shove an elected local district attorney out of public office.
Sept. 22, 2023 Capitol Beat News
DOT Commissioner McMurry’s salary raised to $550K
Dave Williams reports, the State Transportation Board Thursday approved a $100,000 pay raise for Commissioner of Transportation Russell McMurry, increasing his annual salary to $550,000. The 22% increase cleared the board unanimously without discussion.
Sept. 22, 2023 Atlanta Journal-Constitution
The Jolt: Marjorie Taylor Greene turns against House speaker over Ukraine
Adam Van Brimmer, Tia Mitchell, Greg Bluestein and Patricia Murphy report that U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene withdrew her support for a defense appropriations bill Thursday and helped stall efforts by her supposed friend and ally, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, to pass federal spending legislation. Greene had voted in favor of the very same measure on Tuesday.
