SAVANNAH - The City of Rincon has received a 2016 Employment Incentive Program (EIP) grant in the amount of $500,000 from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs (DCA), which administers the program on behalf of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The City of Rincon was one of 74 Georgia communities awarded this year.

“Strong and prosperous communities serve their citizens best and help attract businesses to Georgia,” Gov. Nathan Deal said. “The projects funded by this program will stimulate economic development in these communities and enhance the quality of life for all Georgians. This program allows cities and counties to direct federal funding to address critical community needs, maximizing opportunities for citizens and ensuring that Georgia remains a top state for business.”

The City of Rincon utilized this grant to match the private investment from Kroger to complete the expansion on Highway 21 South and to install the new traffic signal at Brentwood Drive.

The grant award was presented to the City of Rincon by DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles and was accepted on behalf of the city by Wes Smith, City Manager of Rincon, and LaMeisha Kelly, City Planner in a ceremony hosted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs in Savannah Nov. 2.

This year, 68 Georgia communities received $33.3 million in CDBG funds for infrastructure improvements, neighborhood revitalization and centers that will serve Georgia’s neediest citizens.

In addition, $4.3 million in CDBG Employment Incentive Program (EIP) and Redevelopment Fund (RDF) funding was awarded to 11 Georgia communities to invest in economic development and redevelopment projects that are creating 511 jobs and leveraging more than $86.7 million in private investment.

Georgia’s CDBG program annually supports projects in Georgia’s small and rural communities that create jobs and assist low- and moderate-income citizens. Awards ranging from $226,944 to $800,000 will be used for specific projects such as water, sewer, drainage or street improvements, revitalization of targeted neighborhoods and construction of health facilities, as well as senior citizen and youth centers.

“Each year, these awards touch communities in every corner of our state,” DCA Commissioner Camila Knowles said. “We look forward to seeing the results, and we anticipate great success stories coming out of the City of Rincon as you lay the groundwork for future growth, and use these resources to make a lasting difference in the lives of local residents.”